Comparative Evaluation of Long-Pulse Alexandrite and Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser Systems Used Individually and in Combination for Axillary Hair Removal

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Comparative Evaluation of Long-Pulse Alexandrite and Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser Systems Used Individually and in Combination for Axillary Hair Removal
Published Online: 6 Feb 2008
JANE G. KHOURY, MD * , RAMINDER SALUJA, MD * , AND MITCHEL P. GOLDMAN, MD *�
* Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates, La Jolla, California; � La Jolla Spa MD, La Jolla, California
Dermatologic Surgery
Wiley InterScience

� 2008 American Society of Dermatologic Surgery

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, La Jolla Spa MD, 7630 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037, or e-mail: MGoldman@Spa-MD.com

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND The 755-nm alexandrite and the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG lasers are both utilized for hair removal. Advances in laser technology have led to the development of dual-wavelength treatment for increased efficacy.

OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining 755- and 1,064-nm wavelengths for axillary hair removal.

METHODS Twenty patients received three treatments at 4- to 6-week intervals in four axillary quadrants. The left upper axilla was treated with the alexandrite laser, the left lower axilla with the Nd:YAG laser, the right upper axilla with combination alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser, and the right lower quadrant with the diode laser. At 1- and 2-month follow-up visits, subjects completed questionnaires and were assessed for percentage of hair reduction.

RESULTS Eighteen subjects completed the study. The greatest reduction was seen with the alexandrite laser at 70.3% and combination of alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser at 67.1%. The diode laser was less efficacious at 59.7% and the Nd:YAG laser had the least improvement with 47.4% reduction. Subjects found the alexandrite and diode lasers to be the most tolerable and the Nd:YAG and combination treatment to be the most painful.

CONCLUSION Combination treatment of alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers provides no added benefit over the alexandrite laser alone.


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DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.34125.x About DOI

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