The effect of different spot sizes on the efficacy of hair removal using a long-pulsed diode laser.
BACKGROUND
In the last years several lasers have proven their efficacy for hair removal. However, little is known about the efficacy of varying the spot size with those lasers.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term efficacy of hair removal using a diode laser with different spot sizes.


METHODS
A long-pulsed diode laser (2 x 60 msec) was used. The spot size was 8 mm, 12 mm, or 14 mm. Twenty consenting volunteers were treated three times at regular intervals of 3 weeks. The ratio of the number of hairs in the treated area to an adjacent area left untreated (control) was referred to as regrowth.


RESULTS
One month after laser treatment, regrowth was 23% (8 mm), 12% (12 mm), and 13% (14 mm). After 3 months regrowth was 67% (8 mm), 54% (12 mm), and 55% (14 mm). Fifteen months after treatment 4 of 16 volunteers had a regrowth rate of less than 25%.


CONCLUSIONS
The results provide evidence for an effective and long-lasting growth delay of hairs using the long-pulsed diode laser. The use of large spot sizes improved the growth delay of hairs measured 1 month after treatment.
Bäumler
Wolfgang
W
Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. baeumler.wolfgang@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Scherer
Kathrin
K
Abels
Christoph
C
Neff
Sabine
S
Landthaler
Michael
M
Szeimies
Rolf-Markus
RM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006204:Hair Removal; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male