ABSTRACT

In this study, the laser handpiece contained a high-power diode array, eliminating the need for an articulated arm or fiber-optic beam delivery system. Laser energy was delivered over a 9 × 9 mm area. The handpiece contained an actively cooled convex sapphire lens that, when pressed against the subject’s skin slightly before and during each laser pulse, provided thermal protection for the epidermis. The cooling lens allowed not only higher doses of laser energy to be safely and effectively delivered, but also permitted compression of the target area, placing hair roots closer to the laser energy. Treatment results demonstrated 2 different effects on hair growth: hair growth delay and permanent hair reduction. A measurable growth delay was seen in all patients (100%) at all fluence/pulse width configurations tested; this growth delay was sustained for 1-3 months.