Dina Yaghmai

Hair removal using a combination radio-frequency and intense pulsed light source

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The long‐term removal of unwanted hair is achieved by many laser and intense pulse light sources. One limitation is the treatment of individuals with dark skin. The light energy with the current systems has to penetrate through the epidermis before being absorbed by the hair follicle. In individuals with dark skin the high melanin concentration in the epidermis absorbs high energies that can lead to complications. The objective of our study was to study a new system that combines optical energy, intense pulsed light (IPL), with radio frequency (RF). This allows for the use of less optical energy due to the addition of RF energy. The lower optical fluence allows for safer treatment of darker skin types. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter study, in which 87 patients were enrolled. A single treatment was performed on a specified body site. Twenty‐one of the 69 subjects that completed the study had skin types IV–VI. Each subject was evaluated at 1, 7, 30, and 90 days after the treatment session. RESULTS: Hair counts were significantly reduced from baseline after one treatment by an average of 46%. Individual patient data showed that the percentage in hair count reduction achieved ranged from 0 to 100%, with 43% of the patients having a 50% or greater decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of optical energy and RF when delivered simultaneously achieves effective hair reduction with the use of less optical energy, allowing for the safe treatment of all skin types.

Comparison of a 1,064 nm Laser and a 1,320 nm Laser for the Nonablative Treatment of Acne Scars

Background There have been many reports of the use of nonablative lasers for the treatment of acne scars. Objective To evaluate the ability of the 1,064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat acne scars and compare it with that of the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser. Methods Twelve patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III were randomly selected to have half of the face or back treated with the Lyra 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser (Laserscope Corporation, San Jose, CA, USA) and the other half with the CoolTouch II 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA, USA). Three treatments at 4-week intervals were performed. Patients were evaluated by photographic and profilometric methods before and 6 months after the last treatment. Results Immediate changes included mild erythema with the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser and mild edema and erythema with the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser. No long-term adverse changes were seen with either laser system. Using the 1,320 nm system, 42% of the patients had 30 to 40% clinical improvement, 42% had 11 to 29%, and 16% had 10% or less. With the 1,064 nm system, 58% had 30 to 40% clinical improvement and 42% had 11 to 29%. Average improvement in acne scars evaluated by three independent observers was 22% with the 1,320 nm laser compared with 28% with the 1,064 nm laser. The subjects own grading was 39% with the 1,320 nm laser compared with 37% for the 1,064 nm laser. Prolifometric studies demonstrated comparable improvement, with no statistical difference using either laser. Conclusion These data indicate that both the 1,064 nm laser and the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser are safe and effective systems for the nonablative treatment of acne scars, achieving similar improvement. There appears to be a greater response with the 1,064 nm laser system as assessed by the clinical investigators.

Photodamage therapy using an electro-optic q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Q‐Switched Nd:YAG lasers produce photoacoustic effects in addition to photothermal effects which may allow for greater tissue collagen production. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of an Electro‐Optic (EO) Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with Single Pulse and novel Double Pulse (DP) options in the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Long‐term fine caliber hair removal with an electro‐optic Q‐switched Nd:YAG Laser

In spite of major advances in hair removal therapy, fine caliber hair remains a significant challenge for laser‐ and light‐based devices.