800 nanometer diode laser hair removal in African American patients: a clinical and histologic study.
BACKGROUND
Although numerous lasers are available for laser assisted hair removal, their use in individuals with a dark skin type presents many challenges due to competition from epidermal melanin.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to evaluate two 800 nm diode lasers (Lightsheer) with 30 msec and 100 msec pulse durations in the treatment of African American patients with skin types V and VI. Histologic studies, efficacy and side effects were examined in an effort to optimize laser hair removal procedures in this patient population.


METHODS
Facial, neck and axillary areas were treated using 800 nm diode lasers at 30 and 100 msec pulse durations with fluences between 15 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2.


RESULTS
Both lasers could be used safely in skin type V and VI African American patients. Longer pulse durations enabled the delivery of higher fluences with minor and acceptable postoperative complication profiles.


CONCLUSIONS
The Lightsheer diode laser (Coherent Medical, Santa Clara, CA, USA) operating at 30 msec and 100 msec can be safely used in hair removal procedures in African American patients.
Adrian
R M
RM
Georgetown University Medical School, Center for Laser Surgery, Washington DC, USA.
Shay
K P
KP
D001741:Black or African American; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology