Hair removal using a combination of conducted radiofrequency and optical energies--an 18-month follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
Multiple lasers and intense pulsed light sources have been shown to provide long-term hair removal; however, the management of all dark skin phenotypes and light-colored hair remains problematic. The present study examined the long-term photoepilatory effect of a combined intense pulsed light (IPL) (680-980 nm)/radiofrequency (RF) (10-30 J/cm3) light source and its efficiency for the treatment of multiple skin phenotypes and varied hair colors.


METHODS
Forty adult patients (skin phenotypes II-V) with varied facial and non-facial hair colors were treated with a combined IPL/RF technology. Four treatments were carried out over a period of 9-12 months at 8-12-week intervals. Light energy ranged from 15 to 26 J/cm2, while RF energy varied from 10 to 20 J/cm3. Hair counts and photographic evaluation of skin sites were obtained at baseline, and months 1, 3 and 5 after the final treatment session. H&E biopsies were examined at 1 week in five randomly selected study cohorts.


RESULTS
Maximum hair reduction was observed at 6-8 weeks after each treatment. An average clearance of 75% was observed in all body locations at 18 months. No significant adverse sequelae were reported. Results showed no significant dependence on skin color: lighter and darker skin types responded similarly to treatment. Histologic evaluation revealed thermal damage to hair follicles with vacuolar degeneration.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined IPL (680-980 nm)/RF light source with contact cooling is a safe and effective method of long-term hair reduction in patients of diversified skin types and varied hair colors and is associated with excellent patient safety.
Sadick
Neil S
NS
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
Shaoul
James
J
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008027:Light; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*