The role of laser and intense light sources in photo-epilation: a comparative evaluation

Abstract

The method for laser and light assisted hair removal is based on the theory of selective photothermolysis. Selective absorption of hair chromophores from lasers and broad band light sources results in destruction of hair follicles while leaving the skin undamaged. A discussion of the basic principles of selective photothermolysis as it applies to hair removal by lasers and light sources is presented, followed by a comparative review of three melanin target based systems: Ruby laser, Alexandrite laser, and a broad band intense pulsed light. These systems are efficient and safe with proper patient selection. Multiple treatments are necessary due to the nature of the hair growth cycle.

Intense pulsed light for the treatment of hirsutism

“…9 Multiple treatments are necessary due to the nature of the hair growth cycle. 10 In IPL, by placing appropriate filters on the light source, wavelengths ranging from 590 to 1200 nm can be generated. Cut-off filters are used to eliminate short wavelengths, so that only the longer, more deeply penetrating wavelengths are emitted.…”

Long-term Photoepilation Using a Broad-spectrum Intense Pulsed Light Source

“…A 1-cm 2 grid was used to count hairs at baseline and at various subsequent times (including 1, 2, 3, 4,6,8,9,12,14,16,18,20,24, and 30 months after IPL treatment for different patients) as previously described. 27 The data summarize the final clearance results observed at the last follow-up visit, accounting for different follow-up intervals after initial treatment (range, 12-30 months; mean±SD, 21.1±5.1 months).…”

“…8 This is achieved by setting the duration of the impulse above the calculated thermal relaxation time of the epidermis (3-10 milliseconds) and below the thermal relaxation time of the hair follicles (40-100 milliseconds). 9 Both selective photothermolysis and thermokinetic selectivity are hypothesized to mediate photoepilation via ruby, [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] alexandrite, [17][18][19] diode, 20 and Qswitched Nd:YAG lasers, [21][22][23][24][25] as well as intense pulsed light (IPL) source [26][27][28][29][30][31][32] technologies. The present report documents the long-term efficacy and permanent results achieved with an IPL source for photoepilation (EpiLight; ESC Medical Systems, Norwood, Mass/Yokheam, Israel).…”

Can patients treat themselves with a small novel light based hair removal system?

“…The average hair clearance was 32.3% at week 12 (Figs. [1][2][3][4]. Although slight differences were seen, no significant difference in hair clearance was noted when broken down by skin type, hair color, or body location.…”

“…There are numerous methods available today for the removal of undesired hair; some offer only temporary hair removal, while others create more long-lasting or even permanent removal [1]. For the past decade now, lasers have been used to remove hair.…”