Lasers and light devices whose wavelength can absorb melanin in hair can be effective tools for hair removal. Many different systems with differing wavelengths, pulse durations, and fluences are currently available to users.
This study’s purpose was to assess the long-term effectiveness and side effects of alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal treatments using long pulse duration.
Effectiveness
Laser-assisted hair removal is a popular treatment option for unwanted facial and body hair. This technique is safe, effective, and relatively painless; research has demonstrated its success at reducing hirsutism (hirsutism is excessive hair growth) in both men and women; however there is limited evidence for its long-term effectiveness due to individual patient responses and different hair-growth cycles; there have been studies comparing laser and light device efficacy; however these have had only limited numbers of participants or poor quality research results; see studies conducted comparing efficacy between lasers or light devices that were conducted but they were conducted with very limited number of participants or were conducted under poor quality conditions;
Recent systematic reviews of five RCTs conducted on this topic concluded that their results do not demonstrate superiority between laser or IPL for hair removal, however hair cycle length should be taken into consideration when comparing long-term reduction outcomes. Additionally, future research should explore different parameters as well as individual responses to hair removal therapy therapies.
One such study involved 24 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to V who underwent treatment for unwanted axillary hairs. Electrolyzing was employed on their right axilla while their left was treated using a long-pulse alexandrite laser with fluences between 30-50 J/cm2. After six months, investigators reviewed results.
Researchers have also studied the effect of different laser wavelengths and pulse durations on long-term hair removal efficacy. This analysis is particularly pertinent since laser efficacy varies significantly based on factors like patient age, skin color and hair color as well as treatment frequency and duration.
Researchers recently conducted a Randomized Clinical Trial comparing long-pulsed alexandrite and long-pulsed neodymium:YAG lasers for hair removal on pigmented skin. Their authors discovered that for effective hair removal a high dose of laser radiation is required and longer laser pulses result in greater epidermal damage, thus decreasing its efficacy.
Safety
Long-term laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. Safe and effective treatments exist for unwanted hair in all skin types; though darker complexions may require additional effort. An array of light and laser devices currently being used for epilation; each offers their own set of advantages and drawbacks. In this manuscript we review each system against each other to assess their long-term effectiveness for hair removal.
Studies on laser epilation for hair reduction in dark-skinned patients have been undertaken, but only one comprehensive review has been published.8 This review examined data from eighteen trials including five randomized controlled trials utilizing Nd:YAG, diode, alexandrite and ruby lasers on 223 participants with and without hirsutism as well as their effects of various pulse durations and spot sizes.
The results of the study demonstrated that both alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers are effective in providing hair reduction treatments to dark-skinned individuals, with alexandrite being more efficient than Nd:YAG in terms of long-term effects and results lasting at least six months post treatment. As suggested by their authors, future research should focus on long-term hair reduction for dark skinned individuals by accurately comparing various devices’ impacts over time.
This clinical trial involved 36 patients suffering from hirsutism. Participants were randomly assigned either to a control or treatment group, with their hair counts, photographs, and self-reported pain scales recorded before and after laser treatments using long-pulsed alexandrite lasers with wavelengths of 755nm with 10-27-20 millisecond pulse durations (pulsed alexandrite).
After an average of four treatments, hair reduction averaged 56% in the low fluence group with field sizes between 5 and 10 J/cm2, and 70% or greater in high fluence groups (with field sizes 5-10 J/cm2). Hyperpigmentation occurred less often among alexandrite laser treatments compared with Nd:YAG laser ones but did occur across all treatment groups.
Side Effects
Lasers and light-based devices are increasingly being used for treating unwanted hair; however, their long-term efficacy remains uncertain. This study’s goal was to examine the efficacy of 755-nm alexandrite lasers in producing long-term or even permanent hair reduction or removal using chart review of patients treated at a clinic in Vasquez Spain from 1998 to 2003 using photo epilation treatments with lasers in treating Fitzpatrick skin types I to V; with at least one full cycle growth at any targeted body site by laser treatment using alexandrite lasers targeted by alexandrite lasers in terms of body hair reduction or removal.
Investigators tested an alexandrite laser at 5 J/cm2 on 14 volunteers from different body sites, and compared its performance against that of an Nd:YAG laser at the same fluence. Researchers determined that low fluence alexandrite laser was enough to achieve hair reduction at all body sites while Nd:YAG was ineffective.
Although the results of this study are encouraging, investigators did note some possible side effects from the procedure. Some individuals experienced blistering and scarring at the site of treatment due to heat generated by lasers causing damage to skin surfaces. As such, it is crucial that these procedures are performed by certified practitioners who have experience working with lasers as well as being aware of potential risks when treating large areas.
Researchers at Plataforma Laser in Barcelona, Spain and Innsbruck, Austria recently conducted a long-term efficacy study examining an alexandrite laser at 8.5 years of follow up. Results of this research show that alexandrite lasers can effectively reduce unwanted hair in all body sites of Fitzpatrick skin types I to 5. Additionally, their findings support their hypothesis that treatments with this device could eventually result in permanent hair loss.
Cost
Laser hair removal is a highly popular and effective treatment for unwanted hair, often being faster and less painful than electrolysis and even helping reduce ingrown hairs. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and side effects; therefore it is advisable for patients to consult a dermatologist first in order to decide if laser hair removal is appropriate for them.
Effective treatments depend on many variables, including skin type, ethnicity, hair color, anatomical site and frequency of treatments. Hair growth is also affected by hormonal fluctuations that influence hair follicle development; responses to laser treatment vary among patients and long-term results may take several months to appear – therefore it is imperative that we conduct at least six month randomized controlled trials in order to evaluate these treatments effectively.
Laser hair removal involves shining light at hair follicles to absorb melanin pigmentation, and heat is generated when this reaction takes place. This damages the follicle, preventing new hairs from growing back. Over multiple treatments, damage may become irreparable to its structure.
Laser and light-based systems have long been utilized for hair removal with various degrees of success. Common examples include ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers as well as xenon flashlamps – systems which fall into one or more categories of photothermal, photomechanical or photochemical systems operating within the near-infrared spectrum.
Long Pulsed Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal Treatment The most effective hair removal technique is a long pulsed alexandrite laser. It penetrates below the epidermis where most of our hair follicles reside, producing long-term permanent reduction for those with darker skin types.
A linear-scanning 808nm diode laser and scanned alexandrite laser can both be used for hair removal on tanned skin. Both lasers feature different wavelengths but both provide broad treatment of skin types; darker complexioned people may find these treatments effective at reducing hirsutism, though both techniques must be carefully adjusted to avoid hypopigmentation or blisters; to do this successfully it’s necessary to develop a computational model of thermal diffusion within skin tissue phantom, including heat from metabolism, blood perfusion as well as external sources like external heating sources such as an external heating source.
