Safety and efficacy of low fluence,high repetition rate versus high fluence,low repetition rate 810-nm diode laser for axillary hair removal in Chinese women

Background: High-fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the gold standard to remove unwanted hair. Lowering the energy should result in less pain and could theoretically affect the efficacy of the therapy. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of a low fluence high repetition rate 810-nm diode laser to those of a high fluence, low repetition rate diode laser for permanent axillary hair removal in Chinese women. Methods: Ninety-two Chinese women received four axillae laser hair removal treatments at 4-week intervals using the low fluence, high repetition rate 810-nm diode laser in super hair removal (SHR) mode on one side and the high fluence, low repetition rate diode laser in hair removal (HR) mode on the other side. Hair counts were done at each follow-up visit and 6-month follow-up after the final laser treatment using a “Hi Quality Hair Analysis Program System”; the immediate pain score after each treatment session was recorded by a visual analog scale. Results: The overall median reduction of hair was 90.2% with the 810-nm diode laser in SHR mode and 87% with the same laser in HR mode at 6-month follow-up. The median pain scores in SHR mode and in HR mode were 2.75 and 6.75, respectively. Conclusion: Low fluence, high repetition rate diode laser can efficiently remove unwanted hair but also significantly improve tolerability and reduce adverse events during the course of treatment.     

Axillary hair removal with 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser increases sweat production

Background. Laser‐assisted hair removal has become a popular treatment for eradication of body hair. Many studies have been published concerning the safety and efficacy of several laser systems. Adverse events are hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, erythema, oedema, scarring, pain and blistering. Changes in sweating have not previously been reported. Aim. To investigate the effects on axillary sweating of hair removal by a 1064‐nm neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Methods. The sweating function of both axillae was evaluated objectively by the iodine starch test for planimetry measurement and subjectively using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the treatment, and 1 month and 1 year after the last session. Results. The difference in hyperhidrotic activity before and after treatment was significant (P < 0.05), and these differences persisted 1 year after the last evaluation. Conclusions. The results of this study confirm that treatment of axillary hair using the 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser can cause hyperhidrosis, and this effect is not transient. We did not evaluate the eccrine glands histologically, which is a limitation of the study.     

低能量密度1064nm QS Nd:YAG激光治疗黄褐斑疗效观察

目的观察低能量密度Q开关Nd:YAG激光治疗面部黄褐斑的疗效和安全性。方法应用波长为1064nm的Q开关Nd:YAG激光低能量密度治疗17例面部黄褐斑患者,1次/w,10次为一疗程,治疗结束后随访12周。根据患者MASI评分降低值和患者满意度对疗效进行评价。结果 17例患者中,9例(52.9%)患者达到显著改善及痊愈。平均皮损改善级别为2.53级,起效平均次数3.18次,MASI评分平均降低了6.55分,患者满意率82.3%。部分患者在术中轻微灼痛、术后数十分钟有轻至中度红斑。结论低能量密度Q开关Nd:YAG激光治疗面部黄褐斑疗效确切,不良反应轻。     

大光斑低能量1064nm Q开关Nd:YAG激光在皮肤科的拓展应用

大光斑低能量1064 nm Q开关Nd:YAG激光具有红外波长、短脉宽、大光斑、低能量等特点。近年研究发现该激光除治疗色素性疾病,还可引起皮肤一系列非热损伤的生物学事件,即光生物调节作用。本文就大光斑低能量1064 nmQ开关Nd:YAG激光在皮肤科的拓展应用进行综述,为该激光更灵活地用于治疗多种色素性疾病、皮肤老化、皮肤屏障功能受损、痤疮、病理性瘢痕及其他皮肤疾病提供依据。     

810nm半导体激光脱毛216例疗效分析

目的观察810nm半导体激光脱毛的安全性和临床疗效。方法应用半导体激光脱毛机对216例患者不同部位进行治疗，波长为810nm，光斑面积12mm×10mm，能量密度6～10J／cm2，脉宽5～400ms，治疗间隔6～8周。结果216例患者经4～6次连续治疗后均达到理想的脱毛效果，治疗后毛发明显减少，再生毛发细小，浅谈。治疗次数达到6次或以上可显著提高疗效。结论半导体激光脱毛安全有效。     

Verruca vulgaris: Novel treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser

Background: Verruca Vulgaris (VV) is common benign neoplasm. However, it can present a therapeutic challenge. Previous studies have suggested that the Nd-YAG laser may be beneficial in the management of warts. Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of a novel 100 microsecond pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of VV. Method: A total of 25 adult subjects with a total of 63 hand verrucae were enrolled in the clinical trial to receive treatment with a low-energy (200 mjoule) 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (PinPointe, NuvoLase, Inc.). Each subject was eligible for 3 treatments administered at monthly intervals. All verrucae were measured before each treatment session and at 6 months after the final treatment. Results: A complete response was seen in 19 subjects and in 41 verrucae. A complete response was defined as complete absence of verruca with the presence of normal skin dermatoglyphics. All other lesions showed at least partial response. A partial response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in verruca size. No adverse events were noted. Conclusion: Low-energy 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser treatment may be a promising, safe, and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of VV. However, more treatment sessions may be needed for complete clearance and increased efficacy in some subjects.     

Novel 755-nm diode laser vs. conventional 755-nm scanned alexandrite laser: Side-by-side comparison pilot study for thorax and axillary hair removal

Background: Alexandrite (755 nm) and diode lasers (800–810 nm) are commonly used for hair removal. The alexandrite laser technology is somewhat cumbersome whereas new diode lasers are more robust. Recently, alexandrite-like 755 nm wavelength diodes became available. Objectives: To compare the efficacy, tolerability, and subject satisfaction of a 755 nm diode laser operated in conventional (HR) and non-conventional in-motion (SHR) modes with a conventional scanned alexandrite 755 nm laser for chest and axillary hair removal. Materials and methods: A prospective, single-center, proof of principle study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and handling of a 755 nm diode laser system in comparison to a standard alexandrite 755 nm scanning hair removal laser. Results: The new 755 nm diode is suitable to be used in SHR and HR mode and has been tested for its safety, efficacy and handling in a volunteer with success. Overall, both systems showed a high efficacy in hair reduction (88.8% 755 nm diode laser vs. 77.7% 755 nm alexandrite laser). Also, during the study period, no severe adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The new 755 nm diode laser is as effective and safe as the traditional 755 nm alexandrite laser. Additionally, treatment with the 755 nm diode laser with HR and SHR modes was found to be less painful.     

An efficacy comparison of hair removal utilizing a diode laser and an Nd:YAG laser system in Chinese women

Abstract

Background: The 800 nm diode laser and the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser have been used successfully for hair removal for many years. Objective: To compare the efficacy of a diode laser with a Nd:YAG laser regarding axillary fossa hair removal in Chinese women. Methods: Twenty-nine Chinese women underwent three treatment sessions at 4-week intervals with a diode laser (34–38 J/cm²) on one side and a Nd:YAG laser (34–40 J/cm²) on the other side. Assessments included the reduction of hair diameter following treatment, the regrowth rate in hair length, total hair reduction and the immediate pain associated with the treatments. Results: At follow-up visit number 1 (4 weeks after the first session), the average reduction in hair diameter on the diode laser side and the Nd:YAG laser side was 2.44 μm and –0.6 μm, respectively. The regrowth rates of the hair were 61.93 μm/day and 59.84 μm/day, respectively, which were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). At follow-up visit number 1, hair reduction was 60.09% and 41.44%, respectively. At follow-up visit number 2 (4 weeks after the second session), hair reduction was noted to be 78.56% and 64.50%, respectively, which were both statistically significant (p < 0.05). Immediate pain scores at the first session were 6.97 and 6.17, respectively; at the second session were 5.48 and 6.69, respectively; and at the third session were 5.76 and 7.45, respectively; all statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The diode laser showed more efficacy and was found to be more comfortable than the Nd:YAG laser for axillary fossa hair removal in Chinese women.     

Epilation with a long-pulse 1064nm Nd:YAG laser in facial hirsutism

BACKGROUND: Facial hirsutism and hypertrichosis are common problems and a methods are available to clinicians for the unwanted hair in a large number of patients. Several depilatory laser systems are now available and one of these modalities is the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser in removing unwanted facial hair. METHOD: In all, 29 patients completed their treatment course with a long-pulse (4 ms) Nd:YAG (1064 nm line) with fluences between 56 J/cm 2 and 70 J/cm 2 . The average reduction in hair density was assessed using hair count on digital photographs at removal 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. The hair-free interval was variety of also evaluated. RESULTS: The average reduction of in the hair count (the same diameter as the baseline for the criterion) was 43% at 3 months, 36% at 6 months, and 46% at 9 months. The hair-free interval with laser was two- to sixfold longer than with self-applied methods. No significant complications were observed in the range of skin types treated, even in the darker skin types. CONCLUSION: The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe method for long lasting hair removal in all skin types. The delay in hair regrowth most likely explains patient satisfaction.     

Comparative study of dual-pulsed 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and single-pulsed 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser by using zebrafish model and prospective split-face analysis of facial melasma

Background: Recently dual-pulsed low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) laser has been developed for reducing complication during melasma treatment. Objective: Comparison of the efficacy and safety between dual-pulsed mode and single-pulsed mode for the treatment of melasma. Materials and methods: In preclinical study, adult zebrafish were irradiated with dual-pulsed and single-pulsed mode. Changes of melanophore and cell death were assessed. In split-face clinical study, dual-pulsed and single-pulsed mode were irradiated on the left and right side of the face, respectively. L* value, clinical digital photos, modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, and side effects were measured. Results: As compared to single-pulsed mode and dual-pulsed mode with longer intervals, zebrafish melanophore was cleared quickly at dual-pulsed mode with 80-μsec interval and 0.3 J/cm² fluence. Dual-pulsed mode showed the least regeneration of melanophore at 4 weeks after irradiation and no cell death was observed with 80-μsec interval. Both pulse modes improved melasma significantly but modified MASI score and L* value were not significantly different between each other. Lesser pain and shorter duration of post-laser erythema were observed with dual-pulsed mode. Conclusion: Dual-pulsed mode was as effective as single-pulsed mode for the treatment of melasma and revealed less side effects.     

长脉宽1064nm Nd:YAG激光治疗甲真菌病

目的:评价长脉宽1064nm Nd:YAG激光治疗甲真菌病的疗效。方法:60例甲真菌病患者给予长脉宽1064nm Nd:YAG激光治疗,每周1次。结果:治疗结束后6个月有效率为60%。完成4次(23例)和8次治疗(32例)患者的有效率分别为34.8%和78.1%(P0.01)。结论:Nd:YAG1064nm激光治疗甲真菌病有效,疗效与治疗次数相关。     

Efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with low fluence for keloids and hypertrophic scars

Background Several treatment modalities using laser devices have been used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with various therapeutic outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser with low fluence on keloids and hypertrophic scars. Methods Keloids and hypertrophic scars located at 21 anatomic sites in 12 Korean patients (10 men and 2 women; mean age 23.8 years, range 21–33) were treated using 1064‐nm QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence at 1–2 week intervals. Treatment settings were 1.8–2.2 J/cm², 7‐mm spot size and 5–6 passes with appropriate overlapping. Results Follow‐up data collected 3 months after the final treatment revealed decreases in the mean score for the following lesion characteristics: pigmentation from 1.8 to 1.2; vascularity from 1.4 to 1.0; pliability from 3.0 to 2.0 and height from 2.3 to 1.8. The modified Vancouver General Hospital Burn Scar Assessment score decreased from 8.6 to 5.9 (P < 0.0001). Observed side‐effects were a mild prickling sensation during treatment, and mild post‐treatment erythema, both of which resolved within few hours. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence may be used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.     

Treatment of reticular leg veins with a 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

BACKGROUND: Millisecond-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers have been developed for the treatment of reticular leg veins. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effectiveness of a single treatment with a 50 millisecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of reticular veins of the lower extremity. METHODS: Twenty patients with reticular veins measuring 1.0 to 3.0 mm in diameter received one treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (Coolglide, Altus, Burlingame, Calif) at fluences of 100 J/cm(2) and 50 millisecond pulse duration. Symmetric matched areas that were left untreated served as the control. Eleven patients were pretreated with a topical anesthetic cream for 1 hour before treatment and wore compression stockings for 5 days after treatment. Nine patients were treated without topical anesthesia and did not wear compression stockings. Percent clearing and side effects were determined by 3 nontreating physicians (at each respective site) comparing projected Kodachrome images 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Patients also performed a self-assessment of their results. RESULTS: Two-thirds of vessels measuring 1 to 3 mm in diameter cleared more than 75% with one treatment. Larger vessels appeared to improve more than smaller vessels. Immediate treatment discomfort was tolerable. Side effects were minimal and included superficial thrombosis, delayed bruising, hyperpigmentation, and matting. CONCLUSION: Millisecond-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers used with 50 millisecond pulses are effective in the treatment of reticular leg veins.     

Q开关1064nm和532nm Nd:YAG激光对大鼠皮肤非剥脱性嫩肤作用的比较

目的:比较Q开关1064 nm和Q开关532 nm Nd:YAG激光照射对大鼠皮肤的非剥脱性嫩肤作用.方法:分别使用上述两种激光的三种不同能量密度对大鼠背部皮肤进行照射,动态观测皮肤弹性和皮肤含水量变化,光镜下观察大鼠背部皮肤真皮层厚度的变化,测定局部皮肤羟脯氨酸含量.结果:末次照射后第4周,大鼠试验侧的皮肤弹性和含水量都明显好于对照侧;试验侧皮肤羟脯氨酸含量和真皮层厚度都较对照侧显著提高(P<0.05).结论:Q开关1064 nm Nd:YAG激光较532 nm Nd:YAG激光具有更为明显非剥脱性嫩肤效果.     

Effect of piroxicam gel for pain control and inflammation in Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser hair removal

Background Laser‐assisted hair removal is a variably uncomfortable and painful procedure. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of piroxicam gel on pain control and subsequent inflammation in Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser hair removal in women volunteers. Methods Fifty women volunteers were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, placebo‐controlled study over a 6‐month period. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive piroxicam gel as Group P or saline as a control group. Topical analgesic and saline were applied to the treatment sites for 45 minutes. The pain scores (VAS) and side effects were recorded before the hair removal, during the hair removal, at the end of the hair removal, and after 1 hour, 2 hours and 24 hours after the hair removal. Results Subject characteristics and treatment settings in Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser were similar in both groups. The pain scores (VAS) were significantly lower in the Group P than those of the control group during the hair removal (p < 0.001). Inflammatory side effects such as erythema, edema, and folliculitis, were more frequent in the control group than those of Group P during the procedure (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed that piroxicam gel provided adequate pain relief after Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser hair removal in women volunteers. Piroxicam gel was associated with lesser inflammatory side effects when compared to placebo because of its anti‐inflammatory effect after the procedure.     

Angioblastoma showing aggravation after treatment with long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm)

Abstract:  Angioblastoma usually develops in infancy or early childhood on the neck or upper trunk. It is known to be slowly progressive and benign in nature, but treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Spontaneous regression has been occasionally documented, and treatment with pulsed dye laser, excision, high-dose steroids, and interferon alpha have been successful in individual patients. Our patient experienced partial response to interferon alpha injection, and for further treatment, long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) treatment was performed. However, unexpectedly, the tumor was rapidly aggravated. We report this occurrence to increase awareness of trauma-induced aggravation phenomena in angioblastoma.     

Split-leg comparison of low fluence diode laser and high fluence intense pulsed light in permanent hair reduction in skin types III to IV

Background/Objectives: All the standard light‐based techniques for permanent hair reduction, like laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) employ the highest tolerable fluence with a single pass. As opposed to standard techniques, a new diode laser technique employs low fluence with multiple passes. Here we evaluate and compare the efficacy, treatment time, comfort and safety of the low fluence multiple pass diode laser with high fluence single pass IPL for permanent hair reduction in Type III to IV Asian patients. Methods: Thirty Asian patients with Type III to IV black hair were enrolled and received three sessions of treatments at 6‐weekly to 8‐weekly intervals. A split‐leg study was performed in which the IPL was applied to one leg of each patient while the laser was applied to the other. The patients were followed up for 12 months. Results: All patients were satisfied with the results of the long‐term hair reduction without long‐term side effects. There was no statistically significant difference in hair reduction and treatment time between the laser (76.85%, 21.39 min) and the IPL (74.53%, 22.17 min) (P > 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of the IPL (5.96) was higher than that of the laser (3.10) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: A series of high fluence single pass IPL and low fluence multiple pass diode laser treatments were performed with similar efficacy, speed and safety for permanent hair reduction. However, low fluence multiple pass diode laser treatment was less painful than high fluence single pass IPL.