Arch Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2019 Apr;25(2):59-64. 10.14730/aaps.2019.01599.

A prospective, comparative evaluation of axillary hair removal with an 808-nm diode laser at different fluences

• Kang HY
• Park ES
• Nam SM

• KMID: 2449219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14730/aaps.2019.01599

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Diode lasers are the gold standard for removing unwanted hair. Lowering the energy should result in less pain and could theoretically affect therapeutic efficacy. This study evaluated the efficacy of an 808-nm diode laser at different fluences for permanent axillary hair removal in Korean women.
METHODS
Twenty-four Korean women were divided into two groups. Each patient received laser treatment at both axillae, which were divided into upper and lower parts. Each part received different fluence from an HR808 prototype diode at 1-month intervals: 8, 10, 12, and 14 J/cm². Hair count and thickness were recorded at each follow-up visit and at a 3-month follow-up after the final laser treatment by photography and using a folliscope. At the final visit, pain and patient satisfaction were surveyed. Three plastic surgeons assessed the results on photographs.
RESULTS
The mean hair follicle density reduction was 62.18%, 65.28%, 73.08%, and 78.29% on the right upper side, right lower side, left upper side, and left lower side, respectively. The mean hair follicle thickness reduction was 45%, 48%, 54%, and 59% on the right upper side, right lower side, left upper side, and left lower side, respectively. In the plastic surgeons' assessment, the left upper and lower sides scored 2.71. The right upper and lower sides scored 2.38 and 2.04, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
High-fluence (14 J/cm²) treatment with an HR 808 prototype diode laser efficiently removed unwanted hair. No significant difference in comfort was reported compared to the low-fluence mode (8-10 J/cm²).

Keyword

Lasers, semiconductor; Hair removal; Laser therapy; Asian continental ancestry group

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Axilla
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hair Follicle
Hair Removal*
Hair*
Humans
Laser Therapy
Lasers, Semiconductor*
Patient Satisfaction
Photography
Plastics
Prospective Studies*
Surgeons
Plastics