Laser hair removal for African Americans
The darker one’s skin, the more difficult it is to obtain adequate results from laser hair removal. The darker one’s skin the more sessions one requires and the greater the chance of an adverse result. New lasers (2004) available at specialized laser hair removal centers can now provide effective laser hair removal for most patients, now matter what their skin type.
A study was conducted to evaluate two 800nm diode lasers (LightSheer) with 30 msec and 100 msec pulse durations in the treatment of African American patients with skin types V and VI. Histologic studies, efficacy and side effects were examined in an effort to optimize laser hair removal procedures in this patient population. The study treated facial, neck and axillary areas with 800 nm diode lasers at 30 and 100 msec pulse durations with fluences between 15 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. The results are both lasers could be used safely in skin type V and VI African American patients. Longer pulse durations enabled the delivery of higher fluences with minor and acceptable postoperative complication profiles. The study concludes that the LightSheer diode laser operating at 30 msec and 100 msec can be safely used in hair removal procedures in African American patients.
Source: Lumenis Aesthetic and Laser hair removal consumer guide
