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Long‐Term Clinical Evaluation of a 800‐nm Long‐Pulsed Diode Laser with a Large Spot Size and Vacuum‐Assisted Suction for Hair Removal

BACKGROUND The long‐pulsed diode (800–810‐nm) laser is one of the most commonly used and effective lasers for hair removal. Limitations of currently available devices include a small treatment spot size, treatment‐associated pain, and the need for skin cooling. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long‐term hair reduction capabilities of a long‐pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum assisted suction. METHODS Thirty‐five subjects were enrolled in a prospective, self‐controlled, single‐center study of axillary hair removal. The study consisted of three treatments using a long‐pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum‐assisted suction at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals with follow‐up visits 6 and 15 months after the last treatment. Hair clearance was quantified using macro hair‐count photographs taken at baseline and at 6‐ and 15‐month follow‐up visits. Changes in hair thickness and color, levels of treatment‐associated pain, and adverse events were additional study endpoints. RESULTS There was statistically significant hair clearance at the 6 (54%) and 15‐month (42%) follow‐up visits. Remaining hairs were thinner and lighter at the 15‐month follow‐up visit, and the majority of subjects reported feeling up to mild to moderate pain during treatment without the use of pretreatment anesthesia or skin cooling. CONCLUSIONS A long‐pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum‐assisted suction is safe and effective for long‐term hair removal. This is the largest prospective study to evaluate long‐term hair removal and the first to quantify decreases in hair thickness and darkness with treatment.