A multisite study on use of the LightSheer Infinity (Lumenis) dual (805 nm and 1060 nm) wavelength laser shows the hair reduction system provides long-term hair reduction, is tolerable without topical anesthetic; works on all skin types; and requires shorter treatment sessions because of its large spot size, according to research presented in April at ASLMS 2016, the 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Boston, Mass.
E. Victor Ross, M.D., who practices dermatology and conducts research at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, Calif., says key points for physicians who offer hair removal are the laser’s lager spot size (~75% at 6M FU) and vacuum feature.
“These features allow for less painful hair removal and faster hair removal,” Dr. Ross tells Cosmetic Surgery Times. “[The] larger spot [size] allows for use of lower fluences, but still has good effects due to photon recycling, increased depth of penetration and the suction.”
In essence, the 805 nm is best for lighter skin and the 1060 nm is optimal for darker skin types, he says. He reports that long-wavelength lasers increase the ratio of hair bulb to epidermal heating, successfully addressing the challenges of selective photothermolysis posed by dark-skinned populations.
In this study of 26 patients, the primary objective was to assess hair reduction three months following a seven-series 1060 nm laser treatment regimen utilizing the device’s vacuum-assisted pain reduction mechanism.
The LightSheer, according to the company’s website, integrates the Chilltip contact cooling with the smaller conventional spot (ET) (9 or 12 mm), and the other handpiece (high speed) (22 x 35 mm spot), uses HIT-vacuum assisted high speed technology for patient comfort management and treatment speed.
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How It Works
In this study only the HS 22x35 mm handpiece was used, and Dr. Ross describes the pain reduction mechanism as beginning with the vacuum gently pulling the skin into the handpiece. The hair is pulled to the energy source as the skin is stretched thin. This reduces the density of melanocytes in the skin and lessens the energy absorbed by the epidermis. The vacuum pressure temporarily compresses the tissue and surrounding vessels, blood is temporarily displaced and less energy is absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin. As a result, less energy is lost to competing chromophores and more photons reach the target melanin in hair. The heat builds and damages the hair follicles and their ability to regrow.
Average times for treatment areas ranged from 1.36 minutes on the bikini area to 11.20 minutes on the thigh. The average time of treatment, overall, was 5.3 minutes. Pain scores using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) averaged about 4, and there were “marked effects” on hair removal in all skin types, according to Dr. Ross. Patient satisfaction was moderate to very good, for the most part. Patients were least satisfied with the treatment’s effects on their arms.
