Comparing 18- Versus 12-mm Spot Size in Hair Removal Using a Gentlease 755-nm Alexandrite Laser

Comparing 18- Versus 12-mm Spot Size in Hair Removal Using a Gentlease 755-nm Alexandrite Laser
April 2004
To cite this article: Keyvan Nouri MD, Halland Chen BS, Sogol Saghari MD, Carlos A. Ricotti Jr MD (2004)
Comparing 18- Versus 12-mm Spot Size in Hair Removal Using a Gentlease 755-nm Alexandrite Laser
Dermatologic Surgery 30 (4), 494Ò497.
doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30162.x
Blackwell Synergy

Keyvan Nouri, MD*,*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Division of Mohs, Laser and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Dermatology University of Miami-School of Medicine, and , Halland Chen, BSUniversity of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, Sogol Saghari, MD*,*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Division of Mohs, Laser and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Dermatology University of Miami-School of Medicine, and , and Carlos A. Ricotti Jr., MD*,*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Division of Mohs, Laser and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Dermatology University of Miami-School of Medicine, and *Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Division of Mohs, Laser and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Dermatology University of Miami-School of Medicine, and University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Keyvan Nouri, MD, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 2175, Miami, FL 33136, or e-mail: knouri@med.miami.edu.
K. NOURI, MD, H. CHEN, BS, S. SAGHARI, MD, AND C. A. RICOTTI JR., MD HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.

Abstract
Background. Laser epilation is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, absorption of laser energy by the target chromophore melanin. It is claimed that larger spot sizes may be more effective for hair removal at identical fluences.

Objective. To compare the efficacy of 18- vs. 12-mm spot size in hair removal using a Gentlelase Alexandrite laser from Candela Corporation (Boston, MA).

Methods. In this double-blind, randomized control trial, patients underwent laser-assisted hair removal on the axillary region. Regions were randomly selected and treated with either an 18- or a 12-mm spot size. Three treatments at 6-week intervals with a 755-nm Gentlelase Alexandrite laser (Candela Corp., Canton, MA) at a fluence of 16 J/cm2 with cooling and delay times of 60 ms. Hair counts were taken before each treatment session and compared. The mean percentage hair reduction and student's paired t-test were used to compare 18 versus 12 mm versus control sites at each visit and compared it with the baseline hair count.

Results. There was a 10.3% difference in mean reduction favoring the 18-mm spot size treated area at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion. Our results indicate that a larger spot size appears to be more effective for laser assisted hair removal.

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