Bilateral axilla hair removal comparing a single wavelength alexandrite laser with combined multiplexed alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser treatment from a single laser platform.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study compares the efficacy, safety, and side-effect profile of three different firing modes in a single laser emitting both dual-wavelength multiplexed laser pulses and single-wavelength pulses for removing unwanted axillary hair in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types II-V.

METHODS: Subjects received four laser treatments at 4-6 week intervals. One axilla was treated with the alexandrite laser alone while the contralateral axilla was treated with multiplexed pulses delivering either a 755 nm/1064 nm pulse or a 1064 nm/755 nm pulse. Efficacy was evaluated through blinded hair counts performed on digital photographs taken two and six months following the final treatment.

RESULTS: Mean hair clearance percentages were 83%, 81%, and 86% for the alexandrite, alexandrite/YAG sequence, and YAG/alexandrite sequence, respectively. Side effects were minimal and did not differ by treatment.

CONCLUSION: Muliplexed 755 nm/1064 nm and 1,064 nm/755 nm pulses compared favorably with the 755 nm pulses for efficacy and side-effect profile, all being highly efficacious. Further study of the multiplexed pulses in various clinical settings, including refractory hair removal, are indicated.