title: Long-term clinical evaluation of a 800-nm long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum-assisted suction for hair removal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The long-pulsed diode (800-810-nm) laser is one of the most commonly used and effective lasers for hair removal. Limitations of currently available devices include a small treatment spot size, treatment-associated pain, and the need for skin cooling.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term hair reduction capabilities of a long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum assisted suction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five subjects were enrolled in a prospective, self-controlled, single-center study of axillary hair removal. The study consisted of three treatments using a long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum-assisted suction at 4- to 6-week intervals with follow-up visits 6 and 15 months after the last treatment. Hair clearance was quantified using macro hair-count photographs taken at baseline and at 6- and 15-month follow-up visits. Changes in hair thickness and color, levels of treatment-associated pain, and adverse events were additional study endpoints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was statistically significant hair clearance at the 6 (54%) and 15-month (42%) follow-up visits. Remaining hairs were thinner and lighter at the 15-month follow-up visit, and the majority of subjects reported feeling up to mild to moderate pain during treatment without the use of pretreatment anesthesia or skin cooling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum-assisted suction is safe and effective for long-term hair removal. This is the largest prospective study to evaluate long-term hair removal and the first to quantify decreases in hair thickness and darkness with treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, USA. omar.ibrahimi@gmail.com
authors.forename: Omar A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Ibrahimi
authors.forename: Suzanne L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Kilmer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum; D055815:Young Adult