Lou, 2000  Title: Prospective study of hair reduction
by diode laser (800 nm) with long-term follow-up.
Authors: Lou WW, Quintana AT, Geronemus RG,
Grossman MC
Journal: Dermatol Surg 2000 May;26(5):428-32
PMID: 10816229 ABSTRACT
Affiliated institution: Laser and
Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, USA.
BACKGROUND: Multiple laser systems are available for the purpose
of hair removal.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety
and long-term efficacy of the 800 nm, pulsed diode laser at reducing
hair count.
METHODS: Fifty volunteers, primarily Fitzpatrick skin types II
and III, with dark brown or black hair, were treated with a diode
laser (800 nm, 10-40 J/cm2, 5-30 msec, 9 mm 9 mm, 5 degrees C
chilled handpiece). Each subject had eight treatment sites at
varying fluences and pulse durations, as well as a varying number
of treatments and pulses. Hair counts were obtained at each site
at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and an average of 20 months after treatment.
RESULTS: After one treatment, hair regrowths ranged from 22 to
31% at the 1-month follow-up visit, then remained stable between
65 and 75% from the 3-month to the averaged 20-month follow-up.
After two treatments there were relatively longer growth delays,
with hair regrowths plateauing beginning at 6 months after treatment
and ranging from 47 to 66% for the remainder of the follow-up
evaluations. Side effects were limited to pigmentary changes,
transient in subjects with skin types II and III.
CONCLUSIONS: This 800 nm diode laser with a chilled sapphire
tip and variable pulse duration is safe and effective for long-term
hair reduction in individuals with skin types II and III.
Earlier citation by these authors: Grossman (1998): 
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