Handrick, 2001  Title: Comparison of long-pulsed diode and
long-pulsed alexandrite lasers for hair removal: a long-term clinical
and histologic study.
Authors: Handrick C, Alster TS.
Journal: Dermatol Surg 2001 Jul;27(7):622-6
PMID: 11442611 ABSTRACT
Affiliated institution: W ashington
Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Georgetown University
Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
BACKGROUND: Unwanted facial and body hair is a common
problem, generating a high level of interest for treatment innovations.
Advances in laser technology over the past several years has led
to the development and distribution of numerous red and infrared
lasers and light sources to address this issue. Despite the impressive
clinical results that have been reported with the use of individual
laser hair removal systems, long-term comparative studies have
been scarce.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and histologic
efficacy, side effect profile, and long-term hair reduction of
long-pulsed diode and long-pulsed alexandrite laser systems.
METHODS: Twenty women with Fitzpatrick skin types
I-IV and dark terminal hair underwent three monthly laser-assisted
hair removal sessions with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755
nm, 2-msec pulse, 10 mm spot) and a long-pulsed diode laser (800
nm, 12.5 msec or 25 msec, 9 mm spot). Axillary areas were randomly
assigned to receive treatment using each laser system at either
25 J/cm2 or 40 J/cm2. Follow-up manual hair counts and photographs
of each area were obtained at each of the three treatment visits
and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final laser session. Histologic
specimens were obtained at baseline, immediately after the initial
laser treatment, and 1 and 6 months after the third treatment
session.
RESULTS: After each laser treatment, hair counts
were successively reduced and few patients found it necessary
to shave the sparsely regrown hair. Optimal clinical response
was achieved 1 month after the second laser treatment, regardless
of the laser system or fluence used. Six months after the third
and final treatment, prolonged clinical hair reduction was observed
with no significant differences between the laser systems and
fluences used. Histologic tissue changes supported the clinical
responses observed with evidence of initial follicular injury
followed by slow follicular regeneration. Side effects, including
treatment pain and vesiculation, were rare after treatment with
either laser system, but were observed more frequently with the
long-pulsed diode system at the higher fluence of 40 J/cm2.
CONCLUSION: Equivalent clinical and histologic responses
were observed using a long-pulsed alexandrite and a long-pulsed
diode laser for hair removal with minimal adverse sequelae. While
long-term hair reduction can be obtained in most patients after
a series of laser treatments, partial hair regrowth is typical
within 6 months, suggesting the need for additional treatments
to improve the rate of permanent hair removal.
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