Evaluation comparing multiple treatments with a 2-msec and 10-msec alexandrite laser for hair removal

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are a variety of different laser hair removal systems currently available. There are also systems with identical emitted wavelengths; yet their emitted pulse durations vary. There are few data comparing these systems in an objective manner. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen subjects received three treatments with two different pulse duration 755-nm alexandrite lasers. Paired anatomic sites were treated three times with both a 2-msec and a 10-msec system. Subjects were evaluated prior to laser treatment and 6 months after the three treatments with manual hair counts and incidence of complications. RESULTS: The average percentage of hair reduction was 33.1% for the 2-msec-pulse duration and 33.9% for the 10-msec-pulse duration alexandrite laser. No cutaneous pigmentary changes or scarring was noted 6 months after the final treatment. CONCLUSION: The alexandrite laser is effective in removing unwanted hair. There was no difference in response between a 2-msec and a 10-msec alexandrite laser.