Efficacy of long- and short pulse alexandrite lasers compared with an intense pulsed light source for epilation: a study on 532 sites in 389 patients.

Author: Marayiannis KB, Vlachos SP, Savva MP, Kontoes PP

Author affiliation: Laserlight Clinic for Laser and Plastic Surgery, 13 P. Stavrou Str., GR-11524 Athens, Greece.

Publication date & source: 2003.12, J Cosmet Laser Ther., 5(3-4):140-5.

BACKGROUND: Undesirable hair growth presents a significant problem for many patients, and photoepilation has become a very popular procedure in aesthetic and cosmetic practice. Among the systems used are the long- and short-pulsed alexandrite lasers (LP-Alex, SP-Alex) and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources. The present study retrospectively examined the outcome of these systems from the viewpoint of efficacy and side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-nine patients (370 females and 19 males, mean age 36.4 yrs, skin types II-V) were admitted to the study, with a total of 532 treated sites. They were treated either with the LP-Alex, SP-Alex or IPL. Subjective evaluation and interview of the patients was held prior to every treatment session. Six to eight treatments were required with the alexandrite lasers, 2.4-2.8 months between treatments, and the IPL source required 8-9 treatments, 2-2.5 months apart. RESULTS: No significant difference was seen between the LP- and SP-Alex, or between both of them and the IPL source, although the period to regrowth was longer for the lasers. Erythema and oedema were more noticeable with the LP-Alex, as were crusting and hyper- and hypopigmentation. Discomfort was greatest with the LP-Alex and the IPL source. Hair induction at the borders of the treated area on the face and neck was seen only with the LP-Alex, and correlated statistically significantly with any episode of severe erythema, crusting or hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between the LP-, SP-Alex and IPL photoepilation with regard to efficacy. Transient side effects were highest with the LP-Alex, and least with the IPL system. In the LP-Alex treated face and neck sites, 3.1% had hair induction in the borders of the treated areas.

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