Diode laser hair removal of the black patient

Lasers Surg Med. 2001;28(2):150-5. doi: 10.1002/lsm.1031.

Abstract

Background and objective: The 810-nm wavelength diode laser can safely and successfully treat all skin types, including dark pigmented skin.

Study design/methods: Eight Fitzpatrick level V-VI skin type patients, four of which presented with the diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae, were treated with the diode laser for hair removal using low-energy settings and long pulse duration.

Results: All eight patients had excellent results with unwanted hair greatly reduced, and pseudofolliculitis barbae resolved.

Conclusions: Diode lasers can be used on dark pigmented skin with positive outcomes. Complications such as hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation occurred, but all were transient and resolved within a few months.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Black People*
  • Folliculitis / ethnology*
  • Folliculitis / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hair Removal / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome