Long-term photoepilation using a broad-spectrum intense pulsed light source

Background: The goal of laser or flashlamp photoepilation is to produce lon g-term, cosmetically significant hair removal. We document the long-term ef ficacy achieved with an intense pulsed light source for photoepilation. Design: Prospective study comparing long-term results of single vs multiple treatments, and effects of anatomic site and skin type on efficacy of phot oepilation with a device emitting broad-spectrum, noncoherent (nonlaser) ra diation from 550- to 1200-nm wavelengths, in macropulses divided into 2 to 5 minipulses. Setting: Private dermatology practice. Patients: Thirty-four patients (8 men, 26 women) with hirsutism. Interventions: Parameters far the study were wavelength of 615 to 695 nm, p ulse duration of 2.6 to 3.3 milliseconds, fluence of 34 to 42 J/cm(2), 10 X 45-mm exposure field, and application of 1 degreesC cooling gel. Main Outcome Measures: Hair removal efficiency, calculated as percentage ra tio of the number of hairs present compared with baseline counts, and patie nt satisfaction questionnaire completed at last follow-up. Results The mean hair removal efficiency achieved was 76% after a mean of 3 .7 treatments. More than 94% of the sites reached mean hair removal efficie ncy values greater than 50%. Hair removal efficiency was not significantly related to skin type, hair color, anatomic site, or number of treatments. S ide effects were mild and reversible and occurred in a minority of patients (hyperpigmentation in 3 and superficial crusting in 2). Conclusions: Our data document the long-term clinical efficacy of intense p ulsed light source-induced hair removal in light and dark skin phenotypes. Maximal photoepilation was achieved from the initial I to 3 treatments; onl y a small added benefit was seen after more treatments.