New 4,800W, 810 nm Diode Laser with a Spot Size of 20x15 mm for Permanent Hair Removal: Pilot Clinical Study

Background: The diode laser is currently the most widely used method for permanently removing unwanted hair, and has consolidated itself as an effective, safe and permanent technique. The results obtained with this technique depend mainly on the parameters used, such as pulse duration and fluence, with better results being achieved using higher powers and shorter pulses. One of the limitations of the diode laser is that, to obtain better results, small spot sizes must be used to apply shorter pulses, which slows down the treatment. Larger spots can epilate faster but are not efficient enough at removing fine hair. Objective: This study presents a high-power (4,800 W), 810 nm diode laser with a spot size of 20x15 mm, which will allow treatment to be carried out on both large and small areas, improving the overlap between each shot and achieving permanent hair removal in less time. Materials and methods: To evaluate efficacy and safety, a pilot study was designed involving two subjects and eight treatments on different body areas, using both static and dynamic application modes in a single hair removal session. Results: The new 4,800 W, 810 nm diode laser with a spot size of 20x15 mm is suitable for effective, safe and fast treatments. The sessions were quick, with a mean time of 5.5 minutes (SD 4.4), and ranged from 2 to 13 minutes depending on the area treated. The applicator was able to epilate large and small areas, in both static and dynamic modes, with a mean hair reduction of 74.4% (SD 11.4%) in just one session. No side effects were reported, except for perifollicular edema just after treatment, which is considered a desirable end point. Conclusions: The new high-power diode laser applicator with a spot size of 20x15 mm is highly effective, allowing large and small areas to be treated with an optimized spot size. It is also expected that it will produce permanent results in fewer sessions. This new applicator enables comfortable and safe treatments thanks to its optimized sapphire-crystal cooling system.