Safety and efficacy of single pass vs multipass emission with 755 alexandrite laser for all-skin-type hair removal: A pilot study.

Lasers are considered the most efficient methods for hair reduction. The goal of these devices is to provide long-term effects without adverse reactions. This is a randomized split-body controlled study on body hair removal and pseudofolliculitis (PFC) treatment, comparing the standard single pass (SP) emission with the multipass emission (Moveo handpiece) with 755 alexandrite laser. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI underwent laser hair removal, by treating one side of the body using the standard SP and the other side with Moveo. Treated areas included face, arms, legs, trunk, axillae and groins. Each patient underwent a minimum of three to a maximum of eight treatments, every 6 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up. Hair reduction, side effects, PFC severity score and patient satisfaction were recorded for all patients. Totally, 108 patients were enrolled, of whom 96 were female. The overall hair reduction rate (% ± SD), independent of skin type, was estimated as 87 ± 5.5 for standard SP and 78.5 ± 7.6 for Moveo. No significant statistically differences were found between the two groups. Side effects included pain, which was higher after standard SP (4.2 ± 0.8) than after Moveo treatment (1.5 ± 0.5). A statistical significant difference between the two devices was found (P = .0002). PFC score improved in almost all the patients. Patients declared to be satisfied with both the treatments, reporting a preference for Moveo (84% vs 16%) (P = .01). Standard SP and Moveo 755 alexandrite laser seems to be safe and effective treatments for hair removal in all Fitzpatrick skin types and for PFC. Moveo has a higher security profile with fewer side effects.