Single laser best treatment for hair removal

Tehran, Iran - While the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the alexandrite laser are both efficacious in long-term hair removal, a combination of the two therapies causes more adverse effects with no additional benefit, HealthDay News reports.

Researchers conducted a study of 20 patients aged 16 to 50 with skin phototypes III and IV. Patients underwent four sessions at eight-week intervals with four types of laser treatments on the legs. They were treated with long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser; long-pulsed 755 nm alexandrite laser (12 mm spot size for both); long-pulsed 755 nm alexandrite laser (18 mm spot size) and a combination of the first two treatments, according to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology.

At follow-up 18 months after treatment, researchers found the four treatments reduced hair by 73.6 percent, 75.9 percent, 84.3 percent and 77.8 percent, respectively.  Hyperpigmentation and pain were associated with combination therapy, researchers say.