Evaluation of a super long pulsed 810-nm diode hair removal laser in suntanned individuals

BACKGROUND: Laser hair removal is based on the dual concepts of selective photothermolysis and thermal relaxation time. In most laser hair removal systems, light with emitted pulse durations of 2–50 ms targets hair follicles. Such pulse durations usually lead to post-inflammatory pigmentary changes in suntanned individuals. OBJECTIVE: In this pilot study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy and side effect profile of a modified 810–nm diode laser device (Palomar SLP 1000Á, Burlington, MA, USA) operating in a super long pulse mode (200–1000 ms). METHODS: Five suntanned subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV received either one or two laser treatments at eight test sites. Treatments were delivered to suntanned skin. Pulse durations of 200–1000 ms were evaluated with delivered fluences ranging from 23 to 115 J cm 2 . Subjects were followed for 6 months after the first treatment. Subjects were evaluated for hair removal efficiency, optimal pulse duration and delivered fluence, one versus two treatments, and associated complication rate. RESULTS: The average hair reduction, 34%, did not significantly vary with pulse duration or fluence. Clinical evaluations rated two treatments superior to one. CONCLUSION: The results show that efficacious and safe hair removal can be accomplished with an 810–nm diode laser delivering super long pulse durations at a wide range of settings in suntanned individuals. For optimal safety in tanned patients, the highest fluence (115 J cm 2 ) and pulse duration (1000 ms) should be avoided.