Simulated consumer use of a battery-powered, hand-held, portable diode laser (810 nm) for hair removal: A safety, efficacy and ease-of-use study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Safety, efficacy and ease-of-use of a hair removal diode laser for consumer use were evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment group consisting of 77 appropriate users measured safety and efficacy from three self-administered treatments. The non-treatment group consisting of 44 inappropriate users measured safety from delivery of a single laser pulse.

RESULTS

The mean hair reduction was 61% 3 weeks after the first treatment, 70% 3 weeks after the second treatment, 60% 1 month after the third treatment, 24% 2 months after the third treatment, 6% 3 months after the third treatment, 41% 6 months after the third treatment, 31% 9 months after the third treatment, and 33% 12 months after the third treatment. The only observed side effect for appropriate users was transient erythema.

CONCLUSIONS

In simulated consumer use, the laser was highly effective at removing hair with minimal side effects for appropriate users.