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. 2012 Feb;14(1):2-6.
doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.634421.

Low-fluence vs. standard fluence hair removal: a contralateral control non-inferiority study

Shlomit Halachmi  1 , Moshe Lapidoth
Affiliations

Low-fluence vs. standard fluence hair removal: a contralateral control non-inferiority study

Shlomit Halachmi et al. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Laser hair removal at lower fluences, delivered under certain conditions, may retain the efficacy of high-fluence lasers while improving tolerability. We performed a pilot study comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of laser hair removal using traditional settings compared to lower fluences, delivered from a larger handpiece and under vacuum.

Material and methods: Fourteen healthy participants underwent 5 axillary hair removal treatments with an 800 nm diode laser at 1-month intervals, with follow-up 1 and 3 months after the 5th treatment. In all patients, one side was treated with standard parameters using a 9×9 mm chilled tip and gel, while the contralateral side was treated using a 22×35 mm vacuum-assisted handpiece at fluences up to 12 J/cm(2). Follow-up assessments were performed after each treatment and at each follow-up visit, and included photography and questionnaires.

Results: Eleven participants completed the study and follow-up. All experienced significant hair removal in all treated areas. At the 3-month follow-up visit, the high-fluence and low-fluence treated axillae demonstrated comparable hair reduction. Participants found the lower fluence treatments to be more tolerable. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Lower fluence diode laser, delivered under conditions of vacuum and using larger spot sizes, can provide significant hair reduction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effect of dermal scatter on beam propagation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
a. 60-year- old female, before and 3 months after 5 treatments with the HS handpiece. b. 28–year-old female, before and 3 months after 5 treatments with the HS handpiece.
Figure 2
Figure 2
ET and HS handpieces.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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