Comparative study of diode laser versus neodymium-yttrium aluminum: garnet laser versus intense pulsed light for the treatment of hirsutism

Abstract

Introduction:Lasers are widely used for the treatment of hirsutism. But the choice of the right laser for the right skin type is very important. Before starting with laser therapy, it is important to assess the skin type, the fluence, the pulse duration and the type of laser to be used.Aims:To compare the efficacy and side effects of Diode laser, Neodymium-yttrium aluminum — garnet (Nd: YAG) laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) on 30 female patients of hirsutism.Materials and Methods:Thirty female patients with hirsutism were selected for a randomised controlled study. The patients were divided into three groups of 10 patients each. In group I patients diode laser was used, in group II patients long pulsed Nd: YAG laser was used and in group III, IPL was used. The patients were evaluated and result graded according to a 4-point scale as excellent, >75% reduction; good, 50-75% reduction; fair; 25-50% reduction; and poor, <25% reduction in hair density.Results:It was seen that the percentage of hair reduction after two sessions of treatment was maximum (40%) in the diode laser group, followed by 35% hair reduction in the Nd: Yag laser group and 10% hair reduction in the IPL group. The percentage of hair reduction after four sessions of treatment was maximum (64%) in the diode laser group, followed by 62% hair reduction in the Nd: Yag laser group and 48% hair reduction in the IPL group. The percentage of hair reduction after eight sessions of treatment was maximum (92%) in the diode laser group, followed by 90% hair reduction in the Nd: YAG group and 70% hair reduction in the IPL group.Conclusions:To conclude for the Indian skin with dark hairs, the diode laser still stands the test of time. But, since the diode laser has a narrow margin of safety, proper pre and post-procedure cooling is recommended. Although, the side effects of Nd: YAG laser are less as compared to the diode laser, it is less efficacious as compared to the diode laser.

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Pulsed Nd-Yag Laser in Treatment of Hirsutism

“…Most of the patients in this study group belonged to the age group of 18-30 years. Similar age incidence was observed by Neerja Puri 16 where thirty patients had hirsutism and 50% patients were between 21-30 years of age. In this study, at the end of 4 weeks, good hair reduction was noted in 52% patients, which is similar to the hair reduction obtained ofother studies 17,18 ; where after one month 50% patients showed good hair reduction.…”

The characterization of an economic and portable LED-based photoacoustic imaging system to facilitate molecular imaging

“…Most importantly, they offer a significant reduction in cost, are significantly more stable than OPO-based systems, and take up only a fraction of the space. This stability and reduced footprint makes LED-based systems portable [ 29 ]. Furthermore, LEDs do not have to be in a light-tight enclosure, which can restrict many clinical procedures.…”

Lasers for reduction of unwanted hair in skin of colour: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The authors reported that both lasers had similar effects and safety profile, aside from pain after laser treatment which was significantly higher in long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser . The other two studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported no significant differences between both types of laser in terms of percentage of hair reduction and the incidence of adverse events at the end of follow‐up …”