What's New in Diode Laser Hair Removal?

ABSTRACT Introduction Laser hair removal remains one of the most common procedures in cosmetic dermatology. It has always been challenging because of the higher competing epidermal melanocyte as the targeted hair chromophore is also melanin. As a result, to avoid unwanted side effects from laser therapy while maintaining high efficacy levels, the use of the right laser device, appropriate settings, and customized pre and posttreatment care are crucial. With more efficient versions of existing lasers in the market, the safety profile has been taken care of without compromising the efficacy. Diode lasers along with long pulsed Nd:YAG and alexandrite are considered as the safest hair removal lasers. Objective To summarize recent developments in diode laser hair reduction focusing on improvements in efficiency, safety, and patient compliance with recent innovations. Materials and Methods A review of recent literature updates in diode laser hair reduction technology focusing on multiwavelength systems, safety profiles, and innovations in laser device was searched using keywords diode laser hair removal and mutliwavelength diode laser devices. Results Currently, 810 nm diode laser is the most extensively used technology for the long term elimination of unwanted hair, thus establishing itself as an efficacious and safe modality. The rapid multiple pass in motion technique with lesser fluence and gradual heating of the skin epidermis was more well tolerated in patients than the higher fluence single shot method. Most popular combination of triple wavelength was 755, 810, and 1064 nm, which is considered most effective with least complications. Conclusion Diode lasers still remain the gold standard in laser hair removal especially on darker skin types. Recent innovations in diode laser have significantly improved the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance with hair reduction. Multiwavelength platforms seems to be the way forward, however the basic principles and certain problems like minimal pain, treating thin hair, paradoxical hair growth, white hair removal still remains a challenge.