Safety and efficacy for hair removal in dark skin types III and IV with a high-powered, combined wavelength (810, 940 and 1060 nm) diode laser: A single-site pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the superior efficacy of a high-power diode laser (4800 W) with a wavelength of 810 nm over others with less power and the same wavelength, while also being safe and comfortable for the patient. However, the use of this laser is limited on dark skin.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and comfort of a 4800 W diode laser (810 nm) with that of the new Blend diode laser (810 nm, 940 nm, and 1064 nm). Furthermore, the study aims to demonstrate that the Blend diode laser delivers better results on darker skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 810 nm diode laser was compared with the Blend diode laser (810, 940 and 1064 nm) (Primelase, Cocoon Medical). A side-by-side comparative study was carried out over three sessions involving fourteen participants with skin types III and IV, with evaluation of the results 6 months after treatment. The study was performed at the Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. This evaluation was based on efficacy, safety, comfort, and participant satisfaction.

RESULTS

Blend diode laser treatments were performed with fluences 40% (SE = 0.04%) higher than those of the 810 nm. Besides mild-to-moderate transient discomfort during the procedure, the Blend diode laser also produced an increased pricking sensation that was 1.8 points higher on a 10-point scale (p < 0.05), due to the higher fluence used. Hair reduction was 12% higher with the Blend diode laser, with a confidence level of 70%. Moreover, participants were more satisfied with the results of the Blend diode laser than with the diode laser (50% very satisfied vs. 36%, respectively). No long-term adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The new Blend diode laser has been shown to be more effective and satisfactory than 810 nm diode laser on dark skin types III and IV, while also being safe and comfortable for participants.