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SCHAUMBURG, IL (May 19, 1998)
Study results
presented at the 25th Annual Scientific and
Clinical Meeting of the American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery suggest that the new diode laser
safely produces long-lasting hair removal.
Addressing
colleagues in Portland, OR, dermatologic surgeon and
laser expert Melanie C. Grossman, MD, reviewed clinical
data using an 800nm diode laser on 100 patients with
skin types I-VI, light to very dark skin. Dr. Grossman
is a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University
and the New York Hospital in New York City.
The purpose
of the study was to determine the safety and efficacy of
hair removal using this new type of laser that has a
longer wavelength and a cooling handpiece.
"We wanted
to test our premise that the longer wavelength would
make treatment safer for darker skin types, and that the
cooling device would produce less side effects to the
epidermis and reduce patient discomfort," explained Dr.
Grossman. "We’re pleased to report that our findings
substantiate the potential advantages of the diode
laser."
According to
Dr. Grossman, the newly FDA-cleared diode laser is a
very efficient device that contains several small diodes
or semiconductors that are arranged together to produce
light. A diode laser is significantly smaller than
traditional lasers, making it a convenient and portable
system for in-office procedures.
In the
clinical study, each subject had seven test areas, five
of which received a single laser treatment, and two that
received an additional treatment after one month.
Fluence and pulse duration varied. There was one control
site. Treatment of a larger area was also performed on
each patient. Patients were evaluated 1, 3, 6 and 9
months after treatment.
Hair
regrowth was assessed subjectively and objectively by
computer images with a CCD camera (charged coupled
device that produces digital images).
Follow-up
data at three months showed a statistically significant
growth delay in 100% of the subjects. Temporary skin
discoloration was seen in less than 10% of the subjects,
and there was an absence of scarring. No skin rash or
irritation was observed.
"Greater
understanding of laser skin interactions and refinements
in laser technology have enabled dermatologic surgeons
to optimize the safety and effectiveness of laser-based
hair removal procedures. We are confident that the diode
laser and its future applications hold a great deal of
promise," concluded Dr. Grossman.
The American
Society for Dermatology
(ASDS) was founded in 1970 to
promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery
and to foster the highest standards of patient care.
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