Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI

Abstract

Unwanted hair is a common problem for which a variety of laser treatments is available. Laser treatment in dark-skinned individuals carries a higher risk of complications like hyperpigmentation and burn. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety profile of laser-assisted hair removal in individuals with Fitzpatrick type IV-VI skin using long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Retrospective data was collected from 150 individuals with Fitzpatrick type IV-VI skin who underwent laser-assisted hair removal. This included area treated, fluence, number of treatments, and outcome. Data was also gathered on patient satisfaction and complications. The most common phototype was type IV (94%). The most frequently treated area was the face (84.7%) followed by the underarms and legs. Among the facial areas, the chin was the most frequently treated area followed by the upper lip and jaw line. The mean number of treatments was 8.9 (range 4-22). The maximum fluence averaged 26.8 Joules/cm(2) and was significantly higher for facial hair. Of the patients, 78.7% felt that their treatment was good or satisfactory. Mean hair reduction was 54.3%. Satisfaction from the treatment was significantly higher in individuals undergoing treatment of non-facial areas. Subsequent hair growth was slower and finer in 79.3% of the patients. There were no complications in 86% of the patients. All the complications were transient, with hyperpigmentation being the most frequent complication. Our results show that laser hair removal using the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in dark-skinned individuals with satisfactory results in most patients.

Laser Hair Removal: A Review

“…The 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser is considered the best laser for hair removal in patients with darker skin . The longer wavelength of the Nd:YAG allows for less epidermal melanin absorption.…”

“…The 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser is considered the best laser for hair removal in patients with darker skin. [40][41][42][43] The longer wavelength of the Nd:YAG allows for less epidermal melanin absorption. Patients with skin types IV to VI can tolerate higher fluences with minimal adverse events such as epidermal burns or dyspigmentation.…”

Laser therapy for onychomycosis in patients with diabetes at risk for foot ulcers: a randomized, quadruple‐blind, sham‐controlled trial (LASER‐1)

“…Exclusion criteria were having no microbiologic confirmation, Sims classification 0 or 3, ischaemic rest pain in a leg, ankle‐brachial index <0.9, a toe pressure <50 mmHg, having renal replacement therapy or severe renal insufficiency [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ], use of systemic or topical antifungal agents 3 months prior to inclusion, use of immunosuppressive drugs, the presence of psoriasis, lichen planus, or other abnormalities potentially involving the toenails, a history of epilepsy, and insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language. Patients with skin colour Fitzpatrick 4 and 5 were excluded since darker nails theoretically may lead to increased temperatures during laser application …”

15 Laser Hair Removal

“…In general, lasers with longer wavelengths are less absorbed by epidermal melanin and have less tissue side effects. 8 Often the intense pulsed light (IPL) device is grouped with laser hair removal instruments but the emission is rather different. Laser light is monochromatic (single wavelength) and has very slight divergence, whereas the IPL device emits light along a range of wavelengths that is noncoherent.…”

“…Lasers with longer wavelengths are less absorbed by epidermal melanin and have less tissue side effects. 8 The diode laser has a wavelength of 810 nm and can be used for slightly darker skin types. The FDA recently approved a diode laser for home use.…”