Comparison Between Sequentional Treatment With Diode and Alexandrite Lasers Versus Alexandrite Laser Alone in the Treatment of Hirsutism



Nilforoushzadeh MA¹ ; Naieni FF² ; Siadat AH² ; Rad L² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: Laser systems that are commonly used for the treatment of hirsutism include the ruby laser (694 nm), the diode laser (800 nm), the alexandrite laser (755 nm) and the Nd: YAG laser (1084 nm). The diode laser and alexandrite laser are considered effective in treatment of hirsutism in dark-skinned patients. The response of hairs to these laser systems is variable and not complete. In this study, we compared the efficacy of these two laser systems for permanent hair removal. Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial in women with age range 15-45 years old. After obtaining an informed consent, the subjects were randomized into two groups using random allocation software. The first group was treated with alexandrite laser alone (four sessions, two months apart). The second group was treated sequentially with diode laser for the first and alexandrite laser for the next two sessions. Findings: Overall, 111 patients (57 patients in the alexandrite laser group and 54 patients in the sequential diode-alexandrite laser group) were evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean hair reduction of the two groups during the treatment. Except for the first session, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found between groups one month, three months and six months after the last treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between sequential treatment with diode and alexandrite lasers versus alexandrite laser alone in the treatment of hirsutism. We suggest that the efficacy of sequential treatment with other laser systems should be evaluated against single treatment methods in the future studies. © 2012, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.