Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Long Impulse Laser for the Elimination of Superfluous Hair: Experiences and Considerations from 3 Years of Activity

This study examined the results obtained with a modern apparatus for laser hair removal (neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Nd:YAG] laser at long impulses with a wave-length of 1,064 nm; Q-switched laser) over a follow-up period of 3 years. A large heterogeneous group of 480 patients was taken into consideration. These patients were treated according to a standard protocol with monthly checkups and a personalized protocol at deferred appointments. The results, discovered by means of the most objective procedure possible, were retrieved and put into a graph showing two different curves for the repopulation of hair. In their clinical travels, the authors observed an average variable regrowth of 40% to 65%, allowing them to affirm that laser hair removal using Nd:YAG at long impulses is decisively efficient in obtaining long-term results. The use of a protocol (denominated prolonged monthly checkup) with laser sessions at ever-decreasing periods permits, among other things, more outstanding and advantageous results for the patient. Thanks to more efficiently synchronized phases of the biologic hair cycle, this shortens and moves the telegenic phases closer and also renders the anagenic phases (those in which the selective photoermolysis on the pilipheric follicle proves to be efficient) more efficient. Personalization of the treatment relative to the monthly health checkup sessions is of fundamental importance to the scope of obtaining the best results in terms of cost–benefit rate, provided submassimal fluxes are (i.e., those well-tolerated by the patient) used. All this allows hair removal that is not definitive, but which becomes progressively permanent (i.e., characterized by ever-growing periods of lack of hair sustained by sporadic maintenance laser sessions based on the individuals necessity).     

Complicaciones oculares secundarias a depilación de las cejas con láser diodo

We describe two cases of ocular complications secondary to Diode laser assisted eyebrow epilation.Both included patients were women who underwent an eyebrow epilation procedure with Diode laser. A few hours after the procedure they started complaining with photophobia and blurred vision. They were diagnosed with anterior acute uveitis and treated with topical steroids and mydriatics. During the follow-up the presence of sequelae derived from the laser procedure (mydriasis and corectopia in both patients, cataract in the second one) was confirmed.Laser hair removal of the eyebrows can induce irreversible eye damage. Complete and reliable information regarding the potential side effects of this procedure and proper use of appropriate safety devices is mandatory.We point out the importance of the potential ocular side effects associated with these cosmetic devices.     

Physical means of treating unwanted hair

Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem, generating a high level of interest for treatment innovations. A wide range of modalities for the management of unwanted hair have been advocated over the years with varying degrees of clinical success. Most recently, lasers and light sources have been used to address this problem with improved clinical success rates in properly selected patients. The full range of temporary and permanent hair removal techniques will be outlined in this review of physical means of treating unwanted hair.     

Hair removal with a combined light/heat‐based photo‐epilation system: a 6‐month follow‐up

BACKGROUND: A variety of lasers and light sources have been used for hair removal. A novel flashlamp‐based device, with a mechanism of action mixing a combination of light and heat, has recently become available.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy, side effects and long‐term results of this new light/heat‐based system for photo‐epilation.

METHODS: A total of 21 patients (six male, 15 female), skin types II and III, with dark, coarse hair mainly on the back or chest for males and the bikini/axilla area for females, were reviewed after having been treated during the previous 18 months with this system. Each patient had at least four sessions with a maximum of nine. No depilatory treatment except shaving was allowed during the time of follow‐up. The percentage of hair reduction was measured clinically or by comparing ‘before and after’ photographs.

RESULTS: After four to nine sessions, depending on the anatomic location, all patients showed hair reduction as well as hair thinning. The percentage of reduction varied depending on the anatomic location and number of sessions, the bikini/axilla area responding better than the back. Transient side effects were limited to a stinging sensation during the session and to redness, which lasted for up to 2 days. No chronic side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that this device is safe and effective for hair removal with a long‐term effect.     

Effects of the 755-nm Alexandrite laser on fine dark facial hair: review of 90 cases

Laser hair removal is a relatively effective method for thick hair. Despite the risk for induction of fine hair growth, application of laser for fine dark hair is sometimes inevitable. We investigate the effects of 755-nm Alexandrite laser on fine dark facial hair and evaluate the induction rates of fine hair growth and case satisfaction. In the present study, the thickening rate of hairs (33.33%) was found to be higher than the previously published rates. However, reduction of hair density can be obtained when the laser sessions are continued.     

Update dermatologic laser therapy

New trends in dermatological laser therapy during the last years are based on new wavelengths, concepts and treatment combinations resulting in a variety of new dermatologic indications. Fractional laser therapy of chronic actinic damage of the skin has been introduced and already represents a standard technique. The concept of fractional non‐ablative and ablative laser treatment has been shown to be safe and effective. Also pigmented and vascular skin changes can be treated by this method. New, very promising concepts for laser epilation include linear scanned as well as low fluence laser systems. The first enable very short treatment times for large areas; the latter are the basis for the growing market of laser epilation devices for home use. Nevertheless, the potential of low fluence laser devices for long‐term hair reduction has not been tested so far. Furthermore, no data exist on side effects resulting from repetitive application of laser light to melanocytic lesions. Laser lipolysis has been introduced as the latest, minimally invasive way of removing small localised fat deposits. The new procedure may have a great potential for liposculpture; its further development should be thoughtfully observed. The latest innovations for precise ablation are ultra‐short pulsed laser systems. Femtosecond lasers avoid thermal damage at the border areas of ablation zones.     

Low Dose Epilation by Alexandrite Laser: A Dose Response Study

Theoretical considerations suggest fluences of 10 J/cm2 to be sufficient for hair growth control by photo epilationwithalexandrite laser. To prove this hypothesis for clinical applications a dosimetry study was performed with fluences of 5, 10, 15 and 20J/cm2 with an alexandrite laser (burst pulse, 7 ms pulse width, 9 mm spot size) in 14 volunteers. The regrowth rate of hair was calculated on the basis of digital hair counts on comparable test sides in different body locations (back, legs, abdomen, upper arms).In all 4 fluence groups similar rates of hair loss were reached in short term epilation. After an average number of 4,9 treatments (range 2–8 treatments) alexandrite laser treatment with 5 J/cm2 achieved 70,5% hair loss, with 10 J/cm2 74,2%, with 15 J/cm2 85,1% and 20 J/cm2 resultedin 80,1%.In preliminary results after a six months follow up the hair loss remained constantly at 56% within the 5 J/cm2 field and showed still increase in hair loss in the 15 and 20 J/cm2 fields, the latter reaching 81%. Only the 10 J/cm2 field showed a slight regrowth (5%). The differences between the results of hair loss in these 4 fluence groups of 56%(5 J/cm2 fields) or 62% (10 J/cm2 field) versus 74% (15 or 20 J/cm2 fields) were not statistically significant. These data suggest a sufficient hair reduction of more than 70% being achieved after at least 4 treatments with low fluences of 5 or 10 J/cm2 of an alexandrite laser. The lower fluences (5 and 10 J/cm2) caused no pain during the photo epilation and had no side effects. The over all treatment was rather quick in performence with below mentioned fluences. Though the long term results of this study are still preliminary low fluences show comparable efficacy to treatments using higher fluences. Ahigher number of follow up cases could prove that lowdose epilation is also effective in terms of long lasting results.