title: A split-face comparison of facial hair removal with the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Undesirable hair growth presents a significant problem for many patients. Photoepilation has become a very popular procedure in esthetic and cosmetic practice. Among the systems used are the long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755 nm) (ALX) and intense pulsed light (IPL).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the safety and efficacy of long-pulsed ALX and IPL for hair removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  This comparative study was carried out in the outpatient Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Al-Sadir Teaching Hospital, Al Najaf City during the period from June 2009 to July 2010. Thirty-five patients were included; thirty of them completed the study. They received six treatment sessions with the ALX on the left side of the face and IPL on the right side of face with 4-week intervals between sessions. Response to treatment on both sides of the face was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 treatment sessions. Hair-free intervals and patient's satisfaction were recorded in each visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After six treatment sessions, IPL-treated sides showed longer median hair-free intervals compared with ALX-treated sides. Reduction in hair counts was significantly larger on the IPL compared with that on the ALX-treated sides at 1, 3, and 6 sessions. Three patients (10%) developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, one of them on the left side and the others on the right side. It was more severe on the right side and both the patients were of skin type IV. Slight stinging and burning sensation at time of the treatment were recorded in all patients. All reported side effects were transient and tolerated by the patients except postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which persisted and was decreasing gradually toward the end of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggested that IPL is more effective in reducing excessive facial hair growth, with longer hair-free intervals and greater patient satisfaction than the ALX.
authors: a Department of Dermatology , College of Medicine, University of Kufa , Najaf , Iraq.
authors: Muhsin A
authors: MA
authors: Al-Dhalimi
authors: Mohammad J
authors: MJ
authors: Kadhum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D062325:Intense Pulsed Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: IPL; hirsutism; long-pulsed alexandrite laser