Meta-analysis of hair removal laser trials

Traditional hair-removal techniques have included shaving, waxing, chemical depilation, and electrolysis. All of these methods result in temporary hair removal. The theory of selective photo thermolysis led to the development of a variety of different laser systems. These lasers range from the short end of spectrum, with the 694-nm ruby laser, to the middle, with the 755-nm alexandrite and 810-nm diode lasers, and to the long end with the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser. We made a systematic review on the clinical trials with use of various laser sources for hair removal, so all clinical trials related to hair removal lasers in 1998-2003 were considered after elimination of heterogenite sources in data store. Trial results were synthetized on the basis of kind of laser. Our study clarified that hair reduction at least 6 months after the last treatment and hair reductions were 57.5, 42.3, 54.7, and 52.8 after three sessions for diode, Nd:YAG, alexandrite and ruby, respectively. We compared the result with use of analysis of variance method (Scheffes) and double comparison with use of Student's t test. Our results clarified that diode laser is the most effective, and Nd:YAG has the least effect of hair removal.It seems that diode and alexandrite lasers are proper for hair removal, but as we need high fluence in the darker skin types and this is accompanied with higher complications, diode is advised for lighter skin, and we advised alexandrite laser for darker skin types

Hair removal

Unwanted hair is a common problem in women. The condition may be caused by androgen overproduction, increased sensitivity to circulating androgens, or other metabolic and endocrine disorders, and should be properly evaluated. The use of lasers in hair removal allows selective targeting of the hair bulb and can diminish regrowth for at least 3 months. The energy of the laser converts into heat, causing the selective destruction of the hair bulb. The mechanism of action of lasers is discussed and the procedure described. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011

Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Q-Switched Ruby Laser on Solar Lentigines: A Prospective Study of 91 Patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Type II, III, and IV

Laser-induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation could be a limiting factor for selecting patients appropriate for the use of ruby laser in the treatment of lentigenes, especially in dark-skinned individuals. To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of Q-switched ruby laser light (694 nm) on solar lentigines in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II, III, and IV. Controlled comparison study in a university-based laser clinic center. Ninety-one solar lentigines in patients with skin type II, III, and IV were enrolled. All patients were followed for 6 months for frequency of side effects. Before-and-after photographs and images from all follow-up sessions were taken and then assessed by a blinded dermatologist for the evaluation of side effects. Complete clearance was achieved in all patients. Postinflammatory dyspigmentation occurred in 7.8 patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II, 9.8 patients with type III, and 16.6 patients with type IV (p=.67); all improved over a 6-month follow-up period. Q-switched ruby laser treatment is a safe procedure for the treatment of solar lentigines even in dark-skinned individuals. Considering routine factors in addition to melanin content alone is required for minimizing side effects, especially postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters