Unwanted Hair (unwanted + hair)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Hair Removal Using a Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser: Comparison at Fluences of 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2001
David J. Goldberg MD
Background. Unwanted hair is a widespread cosmetic problem. Many temporary methods of hair removal have proved unsatisfactory. A variety of laser systems with varying wavelengths, pulse durations, and energy fluences are currently utilized for hair removal. Optimal laser parameters continue to require further investigation. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a long-pulse millisecond Nd:YAG hair removal laser utilizing fluences of either 50, 80, or 100 J/cm2. Methods. Fifteen subjects were treated with a contact cooled 50 msec Nd:YAG laser at fluences 30, 50, or 100 J/cm2. Reduction in hair regrowth was measured at 3 months after treatment by comparing the terminal hair count to the baseline values. Potential complications were also evaluated. Results. Average hair reduction at 3 months after treatment was 29%, 29%, and 27% in areas treated with a 50-msec Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2, respectively. Although short-term blistering was noted in two subjects, no hyperpimentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring was observed at 3 months after treatment. Conclusion. Long-pulse millisecond Nd:YAG laser hair removal with fluences of either 50, 80, or 100 J/cm2 leads to similar efficacy with no significant adverse effects. [source]


Evidence-based review of hair removal using lasers and light sources

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
M Haedersdal
Abstract Background, Unwanted hair growth remains a therapeutic challenge and there is a considerable need for an effective and safe treatment modality. Objective, From an evidence-based view to summarize efficacy and adverse effects from hair removal with ruby, alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL). Methods, Original publications of controlled clinical trials were identified in Medline and the Cochrane Library. Results, A total of 9 randomized controlled (RCTs) and 21 controlled trials (CTs) were identified. The best available evidence was found for the alexandrite (three RCTs, eight CTs) and diode (three RCTs, four CTs) lasers, followed by the ruby (two RCTs, six CTs) and Nd:YAG (two RCTs, four CTs) lasers, whereas limited evidence was available for IPL sources (one RCT, one CT). Based on the present best available evidence we conclude that (i) epilation with lasers and light sources induces a partial short-term hair reduction up to 6 months postoperatively, (ii) efficacy is improved when repeated treatments are given, (iii) efficacy is superior to conventional treatments (shaving, wax epilation, electrolysis), (iv) evidence exists for a partial long-term hair removal efficacy beyond 6 months postoperatively after repetitive treatments with alexandrite and diode lasers and probably after treatment with ruby and Nd:YAG lasers, whereas evidence is lacking for long-term hair removal after IPL treatment, (v) today there is no evidence for a complete and persistent hair removal efficacy, (vi) the occurrence of postoperative side-effects is reported low for all the laser systems. Conclusion, The evidence from controlled clinical trials favours the use of lasers and light sources for removal of unwanted hair. We recommend that patients are pre-operatively informed of the expected treatment outcome. [source]


Management of unwanted hair in females

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2001
S W. Lanigan
The development of lasers as a treatment for unwanted hair has led to an increased interest in this field. Laser hair removal is frequently commercially led and there are few controlled studies to demonstrate efficacy. It is important to be aware of all treatment modalities for hair removal so that patients can be counselled adequately. This review covers all methods of hair removal from physical through hormonal to laser treatment and allows the reader to understand the pros and cons of each form of therapy. [source]