[New approach to photoepilation. Diode laser with SHR (Super Hair Removal) compared to alexandrite laser].
BACKGROUND
Photoepilation has been an essential field of application of dermatologic laser therapy for many years. The present article evaluates whether the use of a new operation mode of a long-pulsed diode laser can be effective, nearly painless, with few side effects and independent of the skin type. To this aim, its use has been compared to an established method of photoepilation.


METHODS
In a controlled prospective study with 18 (♀=12, ♂=6) patients aged between 22 and 58 years, the effects of photoepilation with the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and the long-pulsed diode laser, operated in the Super Hair Removal mode (SHR), were compared.


RESULTS
The alexandrite laser is slightly more effective with fair skin types; the SHR mode is clearly more effective with dark skin types. Regarding painfulness, the SHR mode is clearly superior. In terms of speed, the two systems are comparable. The alexandrite laser is more user-friendly because of its light and small handpiece.


CONCLUSIONS
The major advantages of the SHR mode are its effectiveness in dark skin types and its lack of pain. The alexandrite laser is slightly more effective with fair skin types, slightly faster and its handling is considerably more comfortable. None of the two systems has yet brought about a breakthrough with fair hair.
Hammes
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Laserklinik Karlsruhe und MVZ Dres. Raulin, Kaiserstr. 104, 76133, Karlsruhe. info@raulin.de
Ockenfels
H M
HM
Metelmann
H-R
HR
Raulin
C
C
Karsai
S
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D000328:Adult; D046169:Dermoscopy; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000528:radiation effects; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D055815:Young Adult