Low Fluence-High Repetition Rate Diode Laser Hair Removal 12-Month Evaluation: Reducing Pain and Risks While Keeping Clinical Efficacy

The study from 11 years ago assessed the effectiveness and safety of a low fluence (15 J/cm²), high repetition rate (5 Hz) 810 nm diode laser for hair removal in 17 patients with skin types II-V. After four treatments at monthly intervals, there was a significant reduction in hair count, with a mean percent hair reduction of 48.15% at 6 months post-treatment. Most patients reported minimal discomfort and only transient side effects, such as slight heat sensation and erythema. One patient experienced an increase in hair count, and another had transient pigmentary changes, but no scarring or long-term side effects were noted. The study suggests that the laser may induce hair miniaturization rather than complete photodestruction of hair follicles, potentially offering a safer and more comfortable hair removal method. However, larger studies are recommended to confirm these findings and to explore the underlying cellular mechanisms.