Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Versus Diode Laser in the Removal of Unwanted Facial Hair

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacies of intense pulse light (IPL) versus diode laser in the removal of unwanted facial hair among female patients.

Study Design: Case series.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2019 to Mar 2020.

Methodology: A total of 38 female patients with hirsutism diagnosed by a consultant dermatologist were included in this study. Intense pulse light therapy was applied on one half of the face while diode laser was used on the other half of the face for three sessions one month apart. A consultant dermatologist assessed the reduction in hair count on both sides of the face after the last session. Any adverse effects experienced by the patients were also recorded.

Results: Out of 38 patients with 76 responses (both sides of the face) were included in the study. 14(17.9%) patients had less than 25% hair reduction, 24(30.7%) had 25-50% reduction, 27(34.6%) had 50-75% and 11(14.1%) had more than 75% reduction of the unwanted hair. Transient erythema 9(11.5%) and moderate pain 9(11.5%) were the common side effects experienced by the patients overall on both sides. Results of the chi-square test revealed that hair reduction, adverse effects and patient satisfaction were not statistically significant in both the groups (p-value>0.05).

Conclusion: This comparative study revealed that intense pulse light and diode laser treatment have been equally efficacious and tolerable in managing unwanted hair among females suffering from hirsutism.