Hair removal using a new intense pulsed light source in Chinese patients

Unwanted hair is a widespread cosmetic problem. Several lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been utilized for this purpose. A new IPL device (Lumenis One) with OPT is one of the newer modalities to be studied in Chinese patients.

This study evaluates the short-term efficacy and side effects of the new IPL device for epilation in Chinese patients.

Eighteen Chinese women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V and black hair, were treated four times at 4 to 6-week intervals using IPL (Lumenis One) on the axillae (n=13) and the upper lip (n=5). The energy density for treatment ranged from 14 to 22 J/cm(2). Parameters utilized were 695-/755-nm filters, triple pulse for patients on the axillae, and 640-/695-nm filters, double pulse for patients on the upper lip (3.5- to 7-ms pulse, 30- to 90-ms pulse delay, 15x35 mm spot size). Hair reduction was assessed at baseline, immediately before each treatment session, and at 4 weeks after the fourth treatment. Patient's satisfaction on a 5-point scale was also evaluated.

The average hair reduction for all sites was 49.9% after one session, 58.6% after two sessions, 79.3% after three sessions, and 83.8% after four sessions (p=0.001). The hair reduction of 44.1%, 52.1%, 81.1%, and 86.0% were achieved after each treatment for axillae, with 65.1%, 75.7%, 74.6%, and 78.0% for upper lip. Patients got more satisfaction after four sessions (score 3.1) than that after two sessions (2.0) (p=0.001). In both the assessments, upper lip appeared to show a better response than axillae after two IPL treatments, which reversed after four treatments. No significant complications or adverse events were reported.

The new IPL device provides a safe and effective means of hair removal for Chinese patients. Treatment efficacy varies with the anatomic location and number of treatments. However, further study is necessary to determine the long-term clinical efficacy in Chinese patients.