Goldberg, 1999

Title: Evaluation comparing multiple treatments with a 2-msec and 10-msec alexandrite laser for hair removal.

Authors: Goldberg DJ, Ahkami R

Journal: Lasers Surg Med 1999;25(3):223-8

PMID: 10495299, UI: 99425349

Affiliated institution: Division of Dermatology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are a variety of different laser hair removal systems currently available. There are also systems with identical emitted wavelengths; yet their emitted pulse durations vary. There are few data comparing these systems in an objective manner.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen subjects received three treatments with two different pulse duration 755-nm alexandrite lasers. Paired anatomic sites were treated three times with both a 2-msec and a 10-msec system. Subjects were evaluated prior to laser treatment and 6 months after the three treatments with manual hair counts and incidence of complications.

RESULTS: The average percentage of hair reduction was 33.1% for the 2-msec-pulse duration and 33.9% for the 10-msec-pulse duration alexandrite laser. No cutaneous pigmentary changes or scarring was noted 6 months after the final treatment.

CONCLUSION: The alexandrite laser is effective in removing unwanted hair. There was no difference in response between a 2-msec and a 10-msec alexandrite laser.