Efficacy and safety of 1064 nm nd: YAG laser for hair removal in Sudanese women: A study on Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm) hair removal in 55 Sudanese women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, and VI. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of skin type, fluence, age, and geographic location on the number of treatments required to achieve satisfactory hair reduction in the chin area. Treatment parameters, including fluence (25-40 J/cm²), spot size (10-12 mm), and pulse width (20-40 ms), were tailored to individual characteristics using the Cynosure Elite + Nd: YAG laser with sapphire contact cooling. Outcomes were assessed using clinical evaluation, pre- and post-treatment photographs, and a standardized 5-point hair density scale. Statistical analysis revealed that fluence significantly impacted outcomes (p = 0.039), with 25 J/cm² demonstrating effectiveness. Skin type, age, and geographic location were not significant factors (p > 0.05). No topical bleaching cream was used, and many participants reported improvement in skin tone. No adverse events or paradoxical hypertrichosis were observed. The study supports the safe and effective use of low-fluence 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser treatment for hair removal in darker skin types. Future research should examine long-term outcomes and broader treatment sites.

Keywords: Dark skin types; Hair reduction; Laser fluence; Laser hair removal; Nd:YAG laser; Sudanese women.