Fixed, low radiant exposure vs. incremental radiant exposure approach for diode laser hair reduction: a randomized, split axilla, comparative single-blinded trial

Background Diode lasers are the most commonly used treatment modalities for unwanted hair reduction. Only a few controlled clinical trials but not a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the impact of various laser parameters, especially radiant exposure, onto efficacy, tolerability and...

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Published in:Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2015-12, Vol.29 (12), p.2377-2381
Main Authors: Pavlović, M.D., Adamič, M., Nenadić, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Axilla
Erythema - etiology
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hair Removal - adverse effects
Hair Removal - methods
Humans
Lasers, Semiconductor - adverse effects
Lasers, Semiconductor - therapeutic use
Middle Aged
Pain - etiology
Pain Measurement
Patient Satisfaction
Single-Blind Method
Young Adult
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Summary:Background Diode lasers are the most commonly used treatment modalities for unwanted hair reduction. Only a few controlled clinical trials but not a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the impact of various laser parameters, especially radiant exposure, onto efficacy, tolerability and safety of laser hair reduction. Objective To compare the safety, tolerability and mid‐term efficacy of fixed, low and incremental radiant exposures of diode lasers (800 nm) for axillary hair removal, we conducted an intrapatient, left‐to‐right, patient‐ and assessor‐blinded and controlled trial. Methods Diode laser (800 nm) treatments were evaluated in 39 study participants (skin type II–III) with unwanted axillary hairs. Randomization and allocation to split axilla treatments were carried out by a web‐based randomization tool. Six treatments were performed at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals with study subjects blinded to the type of treatment. Final assessment of hair reduction was conducted 6 months after the last treatment by means of blinded 4‐point clinical scale using photographs. The primary endpoint was reduction in hair growth, and secondary endpoints were patient‐rated tolerability and satisfaction with the treatment, treatment‐related pain and adverse effects. Results Excellent reduction in axillary hairs (≥76%) at 6‐month follow‐up visit after receiving fixed, low and incremental radiant exposure diode laser treatments was obtained in 59% and 67% of study participants respectively (Z value: 1.342, P = 0.180). Patients reported lower visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score on the fixed (4.26) than on the incremental radiant exposure side (5.64) (P 
ISSN:0926-9959
1468-3083
DOI:10.1111/jdv.13239