Comparative evaluation of long-pulse alexandrite and long-pulse Nd:YAG laser systems used individually and in combination for axillary hair removal.
BACKGROUND
The 755-nm alexandrite and the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG lasers are both utilized for hair removal. Advances in laser technology have led to the development of dual-wavelength treatment for increased efficacy.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining 755- and 1,064-nm wavelengths for axillary hair removal.


METHODS
Twenty patients received three treatments at 4- to 6-week intervals in four axillary quadrants. The left upper axilla was treated with the alexandrite laser, the left lower axilla with the Nd:YAG laser, the right upper axilla with combination alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser, and the right lower quadrant with the diode laser. At 1- and 2-month follow-up visits, subjects completed questionnaires and were assessed for percentage of hair reduction.


RESULTS
Eighteen subjects completed the study. The greatest reduction was seen with the alexandrite laser at 70.3% and combination of alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser at 67.1%. The diode laser was less efficacious at 59.7% and the Nd:YAG laser had the least improvement with 47.4% reduction. Subjects found the alexandrite and diode lasers to be the most tolerable and the Nd:YAG and combination treatment to be the most painful.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination treatment of alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers provides no added benefit over the alexandrite laser alone.
Khoury
Jane G
JG
Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates, La Jolla, California, USA.
Saluja
Raminder
R
Goldman
Mitchel P
MP
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation