Resumen

Objectives: Diode and Nd: YAG lasers are used for hirsutism in Asian populations to achieve long-term hair reduction by targeting and damaging hair follicles. Diode lasers are effective for darker, thicker hair, while Nd: YAG lasers are suitable for various skin types, including darker skin tones, and penetrate deeper into the skin. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the DIODE and long-pulse Nd: YAG laser on Asian Type IV-V skin. Introduction: Facial hirsutism and hypertrichosis are common problems, and dermatology offers several methods for unwanted hair in many patients. The theory of selective photo thermolysis, a safe and effective method when operated by trained and experienced professionals, has revolutionised hair reduction. Before starting laser therapy, assessing the skin type, the fluence, the pulse duration, and the type of laser to be used is crucial for safety and outcome. Materials / method: Seventy-five patients completed their treatment course with DIODE and long-pulsed Nd: YAG (1064 nm) with fluences between 16 J/cm2 and 20 J/cm2. The average hair density reduction was assessed using hair count on digital photographs at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. Efficacy of hair reduction was graded according to a 4point visual scale from poor to excellent — poor < 25% reduction in hair from baseline; fair < 25–50% reduction in hair from baseline, good < 50–75% reduction in hair from baseline; and excellent > 75% reduction in hair from baseline. Results: Six sittings of the Diode laser were done in all subjects within six months. At the third follow-up visit, the percentage of hair reduction was fair in 5.4% of patients, excellent in 73% of patients in group A and fair in 5.3%, excellent in 68.4% of patients in group A. In contrast, at the final follow-up visit, it was excellent in 81.1% of patients in group A and 50% in group B. P-value was significant (P 0.026). Erythema was observed to be the most common complication in both lasers, 32.4% and 26.3% of cases. The diode laser showed more efficacy and was more comfortable than the Nd: YAG las Conclusion: For Asian skin with dark hair, the diode laser remains the preferred choice. However, it's important to note that the diode laser has a narrow margin of safety. Proper pre- and post-procedure cooling is crucial to minimise complications. Despite the diode laser's higher efficacy, it's worth considering that the side effects of the Nd: YAG laser are less in darker skin, making it a viable alternative.