Hair removal using topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG and long-pulsed alexandrite lasers: A comparative study.
BACKGROUND
The use of lasers for removal of unwanted hair has been shown to be effective in temporarily controlling hair growth. Several lasers are currently utilized for this purpose.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the short-term effectiveness and discomfort levels of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and the topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in a side-by-side comparison.


METHODS
Fifteen subjects were treated in the bilateral hair-bearing axilla, using one treatment with the alexandrite laser for the right and two treatments with the topical suspension-assisted Nd:YAG laser for the left. Reduction in hair regrowth was measured at 2 and 3 months following the first treatment by comparing the terminal hair count to the baseline values. Patients rated their pain on a scale of 0-10 immediately following the first treatment at each site.


RESULTS
The mean percentage reduction in hair regrowth 2 months following alexandrite laser treatment was 55% and 73% for the Nd:YAG laser-treated regions. After 3 months, alexandrite laser-treated patients showed a reduction of 19%, while Nd:YAG laser-treated patients showed a 27% reduction. Patients reported average pain values of 8 and 4 for the long-pulsed alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser sites, respectively. All differences were significant.


CONCLUSIONS
While the design of this study makes it difficult to compare the relative effectiveness of the lasers, both systems evaluated were shown to delay hair growth and provide patients with a satisfactory treatment.
Rogers
C J
CJ
Saint Louis University, MO 63104, USA.
Glaser
D A
DA
Siegfried
E C
EC
Walsh
P M
PM
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001608:Beryllium; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006203:Hair Preparations; C112654:alexandrite; D001608:Beryllium