Nanni, 1997  Title: Optimizing treatment parameters for
hair removal using a topical carbon-based solution and 1064-nm
Q-switched neodymium:YAG laser energy.
Authors: Nanni CA, Alster TS
Journal: Arch Dermatol 1997 Dec;133(12):1546-9
PMID: 9420539, UI: 98082109
Affiliated institution: Washington
Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037,
USA.
Cited in:
OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective treatment
parameters for laser-assisted hair removal using a Q-switched
neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.
DESIGN: Prospective study to determine the effectiveness
of Q-switched ND:YAG laser-assisted hair removal under varying
pretreatment protocols. Hair growth was assessed after laser treatment,
and the results were compared with those of wax epilation at 4,
12, and 24 weeks.
SETTING: A private ambulatory laser facility and
academic referral center.
INTERVENTION: Laser-assisted hair removal was performed
under 4 different pretreatment conditions. Eighteen areas of unwanted
body and facial hair from 12 study subjects were divided into
4 quadrants. Wax epilation followed by application of a carbon-based
solution and exposure to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation was
performed on 1 quadrant. A second quadrant was wax epilated and
exposed to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation without prior carbon
solution application. A third quadrant was exposed to laser radiation
alone, and a final quadrant was wax epilated to serve as the control.
Follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months consisted of photographic
documentation, manual hair counts, and patient hair-density estimates.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Percentage of hair regrowth
as assessed by objective hair counts and patient subjective evaluations.
RESULTS: Mean percentage of hair regrowth at 1 month
was 39.9% for the wax-carbon-laser quadrant, 46.7% for the wax-laser
quadrant, 66.1% for the laser-alone quadrant, and 77.9% for the
wax control quadrant. The percentage of hair regrowth approximately
doubled by 3 months but was significantly delayed in all laser-treated
quadrants regardless of pretreatment protocol. Full hair regrowth
in all anatomic locations was observed by month 6. Patient subjective
evaluations of hair density closely approximated hair count data.
No adverse effects or long-term complications were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: A single hair-removal treatment with
the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in delaying
hair growth for up to 3 months. Although the combination of pretreatment
wax epilation and topical carbon solution application was effective,
laser irradiation alone, with or without wax epilation, also provided
a significant delay in hair growth.
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