Flash lamp medical data

Flash lamps for hair removal were cleared by FDA to market in the U.S. in 1997, although flash lamps had been used since the early 1970’s in photoepilators. Below are clinical studies discussing modern flash lamp hair removal, as well as selected articles about flash lamps on related topics. Flash lamp technology is also called IPL (intense pulsed light), ILS (intense light source), full spectrum, non-coherent, and broadband light.

= recommended only for in-depth researchers
= may be worth ordering
= strongly recommended

Human clinical studies

Gold (1997): 37 subjects getting one treatment had 60% hair removal at 12 weeks.

Fitzpatrick (1997): A brief abstract.

Raulin (1997): 2 transsexual subjects getting 13 and 41 facial treatments respectively over one year had "satisfactory" results 6 months after last treatment. With photos.

Schroeter (1997): 40 women had facial hair treated, with 77% reduction after 6 treatments. No follow-up after treatment.

Smith (1998): A brief abstract.

Gold (1998): A brief abstract.

Tse (1999): A good overview.

Sadick (1999): 67 subjects had 1 or 2 treatments. Of those reporting back 6 months or more after final treatment, hair loss was between 54% and 64%

Weiss (1999): 48 subjects had 2 treatments. Average reduction was 33% 6 months after treatment. (Full version of Weiss 1998 ).

Sadick (2000): 34 patients had and average of 76% reduction immediately following an average of 4 treatments. No follow-up discussed in abstract.

Moreno-Arias (2000): Reports on successful removal of transplanted scalp hair grafts with 1.5 year follow-up.

Weiss (2000): A brief letter. See Weiss (1999).