Low fluence-high repetition rate diode laser hair removal 12-month evaluation: reducing pain and risks while keeping clinical efficacy.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: High fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the mainstay modality for hair removal. However, the use of these devices is associated with pain and side effects, especially in patients with dark or tanned skin. A novel concept of depilation at low fluence using 810 nm diode laser has been introduced as a solution to these shortcomings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lasting efficacy and safety of low-level fluence 810 nm (15 J/cm(2) ) and high repetition rate (5 Hz) F1 Diode Laser™ therapy on hair reduction in patients with various skin types. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomised, controlled, bilaterally paired within-patient, double-blind study compared low level fluence 810 nm (15 Joules/cm(2) ) laser diode therapy to nontreated shaved control areas on long-term hair reduction. Seventeen patients with skin type II-V were treated four times at 1 month intervals. Hair count was assessed monthly over 10 months using an objective computerised method. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse reactions monitoring. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in hair count between treated and control sites were observed at each follow-up visit. The majority of patients reported a slight but bearable sensation of heat during the laser treatment, and transient erythema post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that laser hair removal with the F1 Diode Laser™ system was generally well tolerated, safe, and efficacious in this small sample study of patients with various skin types. After just four treatments, permanent hair reduction following one complete hair cycle has been shown. Controlled studies on larger groups of patients within each skin phototype are needed to confirm these promising results.