Background: Photoepilation has been an essential field of application of dermatologic laser therapy for many years. The present article evaluates whether the use of a new operation mode of a long-pulsed diode laser can be effective, nearly painless, with few side effects and independent of the skin type. To this aim, its use has been compared to an established method of photoepilation.
Material and methods: In a controlled prospective study with 18 (♀=12, ♂=6) patients aged between 22 and 58 years, the effects of photoepilation with the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and the long-pulsed diode laser, operated in the Super Hair Removal mode (SHR), were compared.
Results: The alexandrite laser is slightly more effective with fair skin types; the SHR mode is clearly more effective with dark skin types. Regarding painfulness, the SHR mode is clearly superior. In terms of speed, the two systems are comparable. The alexandrite laser is more user-friendly because of its light and small handpiece.
Conclusion: The major advantages of the SHR mode are its effectiveness in dark skin types and its lack of pain. The alexandrite laser is slightly more effective with fair skin types, slightly faster and its handling is considerably more comfortable. None of the two systems has yet brought about a breakthrough with fair hair.