Hair removal with Nd: YAG laser and pneumatic skin flattening in Asian skin patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laser therapy has become the gold standard for removal of unwanted hair. It is known to incur immediate pain, to an extent that some have difficulties enduring the treatment. Pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) reduces pain by the ‘‘gate theory’’. The objective of the study is to assess the reduction in pain by PSF and the efficacy due to increased tolerance in fluence in Asians. STUDY: 12 adults were recruited for laser hair removal in the axillae for a non-blinded randomized study. Subject received treatment with standard laser procedure and laser procedure with PSF, PSF side with higher energy by 10–20%. Pain was assessed post treatment based on Visual Analogue Scale. Digital photographs were taken before treatment, after 20 min and follow up visit at 8 and 36 weeks. Adverse effects were assessed by the operator immediately and 20 min after treatment. RESULTS: The immediate pain score for PSF was 0.75 less than the non PSF. Twenty minutes post treatment, PSF score was 0.16 less than non PSF side. 9 out of 12 subjects preferred treatment with PSF. PSF caused more adverse effects-7 subjects had immediate purpura. No post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed. CONCLUSION: PSF decreases pain sensation during laser hair removal in asian patients but causes mild purpura after treatment.