Hair removal with an 800-nm pulsed diode laser

Background and Objective: Laser hair removal is a relatively new procedure. Our purpose was to study the efficacy and safety of a high-power, pulsed d iode laser array for removing unwanted hair. Methods: A total of 38 subjects were treated with a prototype of the 800-nm diode laser system. Fluences ranging from 10 to 40 J/cm(2) (mean, 33.4 J/c m(2)) were used and 1 to 4 treatments (mean, 2.7) were performed. Evaluatio n of hair loss was performed at least 4 months after the last treatment (me an, 8.7 months) by a blinded assessment of clinical photographs. Results: A total of 59% of the subjects had only sparse hair regrowth at th e final follow-up. Higher fluences and multiple treatments produced greater long-term efficacy Transient pigmentary changes occurred in 29% of the sub jects and were more common in darker skin types IV to VI (P = .047). Conclusion: The 800-nm diode laser is an efficient and safe technique for h air reduction. Adverse pigmentary effects occur, but are transient.