59
Views
16
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original research

Hair reduction: 48 months of experience with 800nm diode laser

Pages 146-149 | Received 19 Sep 2002, Accepted 12 May 2003, Published online: 12 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The goal of hair removal methods has always been permanent or at least long‐term epilation. Laser technology and the axiom of selective photothermolysis allowed a new approach to this subject.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long‐term efficacy of a solid state, 800nm pulsed near infrared diode laser system for the reduction of pigmented hair, and extending habitual hair plucking intervals.

METHODS: In 48 months 242 patients received 703 diode laser treatments on 477 sites. Treatment data and an anonymous patient questionnaire on data concerning undesired hair growth (e.g. predisposition, psychological aspects), and hair plucking habits were retrospectively evaluated to verify the benefit of 800‐nm diode laser application for the reduction of excess hair.

RESULTS: After an average of 1.97 treatments (range 1–6) sufficient reduction of pigmented hair was achieved for a mean period of 8.1 months. The habitual hair plucking interval was raised from a mean of 3.69 days before treatment to 15.19 days after laser epilation. The procedure was tolerated by 81.4% without local anesthetics and well accepted by 82.55% of the patients.

CONCLUSION: 800‐nm diode laser assisted hair removal represents a safe and effective treatment option for the reduction of pigmented hair.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.