Comparison of hair reduction in idiopathic hirsutism by intense pulsed light at two different wavelengths in Asian skin types

Objective: to determine a wavelength range of ipl most suitable for hair removal in asian skin types. patients and methods: thirty women (group a) were treated using hair removal 755-1200 nm filter and thirty (group b) using 690–1200 nm filter in the facial (moustaches, beard and neck) area. six treatment sessions were carried out at intervals of 4 weeks; follow-ups were conducted and final evaluation was done one month after the last treatment session. mean energy settings were 32.40±3.10 j/cm^2 for group a and 29±3.61 j/cm^2 for group b. hair counts and photographic evaluation of skin sites were made at baseline and at the last follow-up. results: average clearance of 68.80±15.37% and 65.97±13.27% were achieved by a and b filters, respectively. no statistically significant difference occurred in the mean percentage hair reduction between the two groups. conclusion: 755-1200 nm wavelength filter of ipl has no preference over 690-1200 nm wavelength filter in asian skin. both the wavelengths are effective.