Safety and efficacy of low-fluence, high-repetition rate versus high-fluence, low-repetition rate 810-nm diode laser for permanent hair removal – A split-face comparison study

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that low-level fluences done repetitively on a hair follicle will produce permanent hair removal with less discomfort and fewer side effects than a single high-fluence pulse. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of a low-fluence, high-repetition rate versus a high-fluence, low-repetition rate 810-nm diode laser for permanent hair reduction in patients with facial hirsutism. Methods: Forty-two female patients with confirmed polycystic ovaries by ultrasonography with facial hirsutism were subjected to the low-fluence, high-repetition Soprano^® XL laser in SHR mode and the LightSheer™ laser on each side of the face using preset parameters once a month for six sessions. Hair counts were done at the end of the sixth session using a ‘Hi Quality Hair Analysis Program System’ and the pain score was recorded by a visual analog scale. Results: The overall median reduction of hair was 90.5% with the Soprano XL and 85% with the LightSheer, with a standard deviation of 7 and 8.5 respectively. Discussion: This new technology, with low fluence and high repetition, showed a statistically insignificant increase in hair reduction compared to the LightSheer, but did show a significant reduction in hair thickness and a low pain score.

Key Words::

• fluence
• laser
• LightSheer
• Soprano XL

Conflicts of interest

Dr Gold speaks on behalf of Alma Lasers and Lumenis.

Funding

No financial support to disclose.