Pain Management in Photoepilation

November 2015 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Jean‐Marc Aimonetti, Edith Ribot‐Ciscar

photoepilation hair follicle melanin topical anesthetic agents cooling devices cutaneous stimulation

Studysummary This review discusses pain management strategies for optical permanent hair removal, which causes pain due to the increase in skin surface temperature, but reports no new experimental results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discussed the pain management strategies in photoepilation, a method of optical permanent hair removal. It highlighted that the hair follicle is a complex structure with a sensory network that can cause pain when disrupted. Photoepilation, which targets melanin to destroy hair follicles, can lead to mild-to-severe pain due to increased skin surface temperature. To manage this pain, the article reviewed the use of topical anesthetic agents, cooling devices, and non-noxious cutaneous stimulation, examining their mechanisms of action and effectiveness.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

The Dermal Papilla: An Instructive Niche for Epithelial Stem and Progenitor Cells in Development and Regeneration of the Hair Follicle

research The Dermal Papilla: An Instructive Niche for Epithelial Stem and Progenitor Cells in Development and Regeneration of the Hair Follicle

149 citations , July 2014 in “Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine”

This article provides contact information for Bruce A. Morgan and features no new research findings.

research From Flint Razors to Lasers: A Timeline of Hair Removal Methods

31 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This article reviews the history and methods of hair removal, highlighting electrolysis as the only FDA-recognized permanent option, but it presents no new findings.

research Laser Hair Removal: A Review

143 citations , January 2013 in “Dermatologic surgery”

This review reports that current in-office laser hair removal devices, particularly the Nd:YAG system for pigmented skin, effectively provide long-term hair removal, though more research on home-use devices is needed.

research Hairy Tale of Signaling in Hair Follicle Development and Cycling

161 citations , August 2012 in “Seminars in cell & developmental biology”

This review discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in hair follicle development and regeneration, highlighting findings from mouse genetic studies, and reports no new experimental results.

research Hair Removal

12 citations , January 2011 in “Current problems in dermatology”

This review covers the use of lasers and IPL for hair removal, noting short-term efficacy up to 6 months and variable long-term results with different devices, emphasizing safety considerations and evolving consumer-based treatments.

research Laser Hair Removal: Principles, Techniques, and Advances

207 citations , January 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This article discusses the factors involved in optimizing laser hair removal, emphasizing patient selection, laser safety, and understanding laser–tissue interactions, but presents no new clinical findings.

research 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

21 citations , January 2007 in “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”

This study found that the 3-msec alexandrite laser effectively reduced unwanted, pigmented hair in individuals with skin types IV and V, but was less safe in those with skin type VI.

research Pneumatic Skin Flattening: A Novel Technology for Marked Pain Reduction in Hair Removal with High Energy Density Lasers and IPLs

39 citations , January 2006 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study found that pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) significantly reduces pain and post-treatment erythema during high-energy IPL and laser hair removal while enhancing treatment efficacy.

research Theoretical Considerations in Laser Hair Removal

150 citations , April 1999 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article reviews the biological and physical principles of laser hair removal and reports that current laser systems do not consistently achieve permanent hair follicle destruction across treated areas.