Long‐term clinical evaluation of hair clearance in darkly pigmented individuals using a novel diode1060 nm wavelength with multiple treatment handpieces: A prospective analysis with modeling and histological findings

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a 1060 nm diode laser system with multiple handpieces for permanent hair reduction. Study Design An open‐label, prospective, multi‐center study of adult subjects (≥18 years old) of any skin type, having dark brown or black hairs at the areas to be treated and seeking to permanently remove hair underwent six treatment sessions, at 4 to 6 weeks intervals with either a 1060 nm chilled sapphire tip or seven treatment sessions, at 6 weeks interval with a large spot vacuum based handpiece. Methods Subjects received treatments on various body areas using chilled sapphire tip or large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Hair counts as well as assessments of hair coarseness and color were performed using photographs taken at baseline, prior to pre‐selected treatments and at the follow up visits. At every visit, immediate skin responses and adverse events were evaluated by the investigator and treatment associated pain level experienced was quantified by the subjects. Subjects were asked to assess their improvement and satisfaction at pre‐selected treatment sessions and at all the follow up visits. A sub group of subjects that were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece contributed two punch biopsy specimens for histological analysis. Results A total of 16 subjects age 33 ± 10.9 years were treated with the chilled sapphire tip, and 26 subjects age 36.3 ± 7.67 years were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Treatment with chilled sapphire tip yielded a mean of 68%, 82%, and 76% skin type‐independent hair reduction in axillae, shin, and arm, respectively, at 6 month follow up visit as compared to baseline. The majority of subjects (≥80%) rated their hair reduction to be either good or very good and were satisfied to highly satisfied with the outcome. Treatment with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece, was most effective in axillae and calves, with a 77.9% and 78.5% hair count reduction, respectively, at the 6 month follow up visit. Subjects reported high satisfaction and improvement throughout the treatments and follow‐up periods. Treatments with both handpieces were not associated with intolerable pain levels and common post procedural responses included mild to moderate erythema and/or edema. Conclusion The 1060 nm diode laser system is safe and effective for hair removal and long‐term hair reduction in all skin types including darkly pigmented individuals. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:893–901, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.