Photoepilation results of axillary hair in dark-skinned patients by IPL: A comparison between different wavelength and pulse width

BACKGROUND: Recently, intense pulsed light (IPL) sources have been shown to provide long-term hair removal. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the photoepilatory effects of different wavelengths and pulse width application in the same device and compared their efficiencies in Asian skin. METHODS: Twenty-eight Korean women were treated using HR (600-950 nm filter) and 27 using HR-D (645-950 nm filter) in the axillar area. Four treatments were carried out at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks; follow-ups were conducted 8 months after the last treatment. Mean energy settings were 14.9±2.0 J/cm² for HR and 17.1±0.6 J/cm² for HR-D. Longer pulse widths were applied in case of HR-D treatment. Hair counts and photographic evaluation of skin sites were made at baseline and at the last follow-up. Final overall evaluations were performed by patients and clinicians. RESULTS: Average clearances of 52.8% and 83.4% were achieved by HR and HR-D, respectively. No significant adverse effects were reported after HR-D treatment. One case each of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation was reported for HR. CONCLUSION: An IPL source by removing 45 nm of the emitted spectra and applying longer pulse width was found to provide a safer and more effective means of photoepilation in Asian patients.