Treatment of terminal and vellus non-pigmented hairs with an optical/bipolar radiofrequency energy source-with and without pre-treatment using topical aminolevulinic acid.
OBJECTIVE
The present study compares the 6-month hair removal efficacy of a combined pulsed light bipolar radiofrequency device with and without pre-treatment using topical aminolevulinic acid.


METHODS
Fifteen adult females, skin phenotypes II-IV were entered into the study. Ten subjects were determined to have white terminal hairs; an additional five females presented with fine facial vellus hairs. Unwanted facial hair was treated twice at 4-6 week intervals with a combined optical bipolar radiofrequency source. At each treatment half of the treatment area was pre-treated with topical aminolevulinic acid; the other half was not. Follow-up visits were undertaken at 6 months after the second treatment. Hair counts were obtained before treatment and 6 months after the final treatment.


RESULTS
An average terminal white hair removal of 35% was observed at 6 months after treatment with the combined pulsed light bipolar radiofrequency device. When pre-treatment with topical aminolevulinic acid was provided the average hair removal of terminal white hairs was found to be 48%. None of the five subjects with vellus hair were noted to respond to either treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined radiofrequency and optical light treatment leads to effective hair removal of terminal white hairs. This improvement is increased with pre-treatment use of topical aminolevulinic acid. Vellus nonpigmented hairs did not respond to treatment.
Goldberg
David J
DJ
Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey, NJ 07601, USA.
Marmur
Ellen S
ES
Hussain
Mussarrat
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid