The Use of a New Diode Laser for Hair Removal

The Use of a New Diode Laser for Hair Removal
January 2003
To cite this article: Neil S Sadick MD, FACP, FAACS, Victor G Prieto MD, PhD (2003)
The Use of a New Diode Laser for Hair Removal
Dermatologic Surgery 29 (1), 30Ò34.
doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2003.29018.x
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Neil S. Sadick, MD, FACP, FAACS,*
*Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, and Victor G. Prieto, MD, PhDUniversity of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas*Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New YorkUniversity of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Neil Sadick, MD, 772 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10021, or e-mail: nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
The laser used in this study was loaned to the investigators.

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Diode and long-pulse 1064 Nd:YAG lasers, because of their long wavelengths and extended pulse durations, have gained popularity over the last several years for photoepilation in individuals with dark skin phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE. To analyze the clinical efficacy and histologic features of a new 810-nm diode laser in the treatment of unwanted hair in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types IIÒIV.

METHODS. Twenty-four female subjects (mean age, 33; range, 17Ò53) were treated three times at monthly intervals with the MeDioStarÇ diode laser (Zeiss-Meditech, Jenna, Germany): wavelength 810 nm, spot size 12 mm, pulse duration 50 msec; fluence 25Ò35 J. Patients had skin types IIÒIV and light to dark brown hair. Hair counts were carried out using handheld magnifiers at baseline and at months 1, 2, 3, and 6. Six individuals had biopsies taken after treatment and at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS.A mean hair removal efficiency of 74% and 79% was noted at 3 and 6 months, respectively, and was best in those individuals with skin type III. Hair counts after treatment and at last follow-up were significantly lower when compared with the baseline counts (P<0.0001). Histologic analysis revealed a range from early catagen induction to complete follicular destruction.

CONCLUSIONS. This study supports the clinical photoepilatory efficiency of a new 810-nm diode laser in producing 70% clinical hair removal efficiency at 6 months. Histopathologic evaluation suggests that this decrease in hair counts is probably secondary to heat trauma to the follicular epithelium, resulting in complete follicular destruction and stopping of anagen phase.

This article is cited by:
Rao Jaggi, MD AND Goldman Mitchel P., MD. (2005) Prospective, Comparative Evaluation of Three Laser Systems Used Individually and in Combination for Axillary Hair Removal. Dermatologic Surgery 31:12, 1671Ò1677
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