Hair Removal With the 3-Msec Alexandrite Laser in Patients With Skin Types IV-VI: Efficacy, Safety, and the Role of Topical Corticosteroids in Preventing Side Effects
January 2007
in “
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
”
TLDR The laser effectively removes hair for skin types IV and V but is less effective for type VI.
The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the 3-msec alexandrite laser for hair removal in 37 patients with skin types IV to VI, and the role of topical corticosteroids (TCS) in preventing side effects. Results showed a 35.4% average hair count reduction and a 31.2% average hair thickness reduction at 6 months. Hyperpigmentation was observed in nearly half of the treated areas, with minimal effect from TCS. The 15-mm spot size group experienced higher hyperpigmentation due to higher fluence. TCS reduced erythema and crusting but had limited impact on hyperpigmentation. The laser was effective and safe for skin types IV and V, but less so for type VI.
