 |
|
|
Currently multiple studies exist that demonstrate the efficacy of photo-epilation treatment. In this context it deserves mentioning that comparative studies have found non of the currently on the market available photo-epilation systems advantageous and superior to others as far as efficacy of epilation is concerned.
Several publications confirm this, of which we will here mention a few:
1. Temporary hair loss using the long-pulsed alexandrite laser at 20 milliseconds. Raulin C., Greve B.; European Journal of Dermatology 2000 March; 10 (2): 103-6.
In the study 30 women were treated eight times and achieved a reduction in hair growth of 75 %. The most common observed unwanted side effects were crust-development in 17 % of the cases which healed without any marks. Also in 13 % of the cases a transient folliculitis occured. Unfortunately follow up of the study was only 3,25 months, so that no comments on long term efficacy can be made.
2. Efficacy of long- and short pulse alexandrits lasers compared with an intense pulsed light source for epilation: a study on 532 sites in 389 patients. Marayiannis K. B., Vlachos S. P., Savva M. P., Kontoes P. P.; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy 2003 December; 5 (3-4): 140-5.
This study with a total of 389 (370 women and 19 men) were included who suffered from undesired hair growth. In total 532 locations were treated. Treatments were carried out with long and short pulsed alexandrite-lasers and were compared with an intense-pulsed light source epilation. Before each treatment patients were questioned and examined. There were no significant differences between the two examined methods. However, the time until regrowth of hair was longer for the lasers. In summary all the examined photo-epilation systems lead to objectively satisfying epilation results.
3. Reduction of regrowing hair shaft size and pigmentation after ruby laser treatment. Lin T. Y., Dierickx C. C., Campos V. B., Farinelli W. A., Rosenthal J.: Archieves of Dermatologic Research 2000 February March; 292 (2-3): 60-9.
This study assesses though reduction in hair (hair-loss) as well as reduction in the degree of pigmentation of the hair. In all analyzed photo-epilation systems a reduction in number of hairs as well as a reduction of degree of pigmentation could be found. From a cosmetic point of view this represents great advantage for the patients as hairs become less noticable.
4. Laser hair removal with alexandrite versus diode laser using four treatment sessions: 1-year results. Eremia S., Li C., Newman N.: Dermatolgic Surgery 2001; 27 (11): 925-9; discussion 929-30.
This study compares the most commonly used lasers for full epilation. 15 subjects with skin-type I - V were treated in the area of their axilla (armpits) either with an alexandrite-laser or a diode-laser. Four treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart were carried out and patients were examined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the final treatment. 12 months after the last treatment the reduction of 84 % in hair growth could be found for both, the diode-laser and the alexandrite-laser. In summary the authors conclude that equal efficacy of both photo-epilation systems had good long-term effect.
This study therefore contradicts the findings of Prof. Hohenleutner, stating that a hair reduction of 30 to 80 % over a time-frame of three to six months can be achieved. The cited reference by the health care provider was merely a press-notice in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology without any scientific background and is therefore invalid as argumentation in favour of the health care provider, especially in the light of the above cited study.
5. Laser hair removal: long-term results with a 755 nm alexandrite laser. Eremia s.; Li C. Y., Umar S. H., Newman N.: Dermatolgic Surgery 2001 November; 27 (11): 920-4.
89 untanned subjects, skin-type I - V were treated 492 times in total within a time-period of 15 months. Each patient received at least 3 follow-up treatments with an average of 5,6 treatments. In doing so medium hair-reduction of 74 % with greater reduction in hair in fair subjects could be achieved. That the latter may reflect the application of a high energy fluence in fair skinned individuals.
6. Comparison of alexandrite laser and electrolysis for hair removal. Gorgu M., Aslan G., Akoz T., Erdogan B.. Dermatolgic Surgery 2000 January; 26 (1): 37-41.
In this study electrolysis for hair-removal is compared to hair-removal by alexandrite-laser. 12 patients were treated in the split-side-experiment either via electric-needle-epilation or laser-epilation. The electrolysis-treated side received four follow-up treatments 3 weeks apart, on the laser-epilation side three treatments were carried out four weeks apart. Hair count was taken befor the first and before each consecutive treatment as well as 6 months after the last treatment. Time and costs and pain of the two treatment options were compared. The mean hair reduction was 74 % for the laser-treatment versus 35 % after electrolysis 6 months after the last treatment. The authors therefore conclude that laser-epilation is the faster and therefore cheaper and therefore better treatment method as it is also associated with lesser pain. Also fewer treatments are needed in the photo-epilation for a better result. As far as epilation via electrolysis concerned treatment costs are only covered by the health insurance if the treatment is carried out by a medical doctor. However, in Hamburg there is not a single collegue who performs such treatments. Therefore it is likely that the health provider will agree to cost-coverage as there are no other options that may be covered available.