Comparison of hair reduction in idiopathic hirsutism by intense pulsed light at two different wavelengths in Asian skin types

Objective: To determine a wavelength range of IPL most suitable for hair removal in Asian skin types. Patients and methods: Thirty women (group A) were treated using hair removal 755-1200 nm filter and thirty (group B) using 690–1200 nm filter in the facial (moustaches, beard and neck) area. Six treatment sessions were carried out at intervals of 4 weeks; follow-ups were conducted and final evaluation was done one month after the last treatment session. Mean energy settings were 32.40±3.10 J/cm^2 for group A and 29±3.61 J/cm^2 for group B. Hair counts and photographic evaluation of skin sites were made at baseline and at the last follow-up. Results: Average clearance of 68.80±15.37% and 65.97±13.27% were achieved by A and B filters, respectively. No statistically significant difference occurred in the mean percentage hair reduction between the two groups. Conclusion: 755-1200 nm wavelength filter of IPL has no preference over 690-1200 nm wavelength filter in Asian skin. Both the wavelengths are effective.