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Evaluation of safety and efficacy of variable pulsed light in the treatment of unwanted hair in 77 volunteers
Author(s) -
Nahavandi H,
Neumann R,
Holzer G,
Knobler R
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02408.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intense pulsed light , hypertrichosis , erythema , hair removal , dermatology , adverse effect , hirsutism , surgery , insulin resistance , polycystic ovary , insulin
Background Several studies on hair removal with intense pulsed light (IPL) and various laser sources have been done, but adequate data on long‐term follow up are scarce. The present uncontrolled prospective pilot study evaluated safety and long‐term efficacy of variable pulsed light (VPL™) on hair removal in the face for medical and/or cosmetic indications. Study design/material and methods The VPL™ system (Energist Ltd, UK) was used for the treatment of hypertrichosis in the face, mainly hirsutism, in 77 female volunteers. The minimum follow‐up time after the last treatment was 9 months (mean: 12.74 ± 2.87 months). Results Over 50% of hair clearance was observed in 68 (88.3%) of all cases. Erythema and leucotrichia were the most often associated side‐effects encountered. Transient pigmentary changes were not reported. Conclusion The VPL™ System presents as a relatively efficient and safe treatment alternative for long‐term removal of unwanted hair. It seems to be particularly effective in fair‐skinned patients with dark hair (skin types II–III–IV). Adverse effects were minimal and transient and, in no patient, significant enough to interrupt treatment.