title: Long-term efficacy of linear-scanning 808 nm diode laser for hair removal compared to a scanned alexandrite laser.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alexandrite and diode lasers are commonly used for hair removal. To date, the available spot sizes and repetition rates are defining factors in terms of penetration depth, treatment speed, and efficacy. Still, larger treatment areas and faster systems are desirable. To compare the efficacy, tolerability, and subject satisfaction of a continuously linear-scanning 808 nm diode laser with an alexandrite 755 nm laser for axillary hair removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 31 adults with skin types I-IV received 6 treatments at 4-week intervals with a 755 nm alexandrite laser (right axilla) and a continuously linear-scanning 808 nm diode laser (left axilla). Axillary hair density was assessed using a computerized hair detection system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant reduction in axillary hair after the 6th treatment (P < 0.05) on both sides (left, 808 nm: hair clearance of 72.16%; right, 755 nm: hair clearance of 71.30%). The difference in reduction between the two lasers was not significant, but both were persistant at 18 months follow-up (left: hair clearance of 73.71%; right: hair clearance of 71.90%). Erythema and perifollicular edema were more common after alexandrite laser treatment, but all side effects were transient. While 62.50% of patients reported more pain in response to treatment with the new diode laser, all patients rated treatment with either laser tolerable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with either the alexandrite or the linear-scanning diode laser results in significant, comparable, persistent (at least 18 months) axillary hair reduction among individuals with skin types I-IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 23, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grunewald
authors.forename: Marc Oliver
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Bodendorf
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zygouris
authors.forename: Jan Christoph
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Paasch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000009:adverse effects; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: 755 nm; 808 nm; hair removal; laser; selective photothermolysis