Laser hair removal for Fitzpatrick skin types III-V: efficacy and safety in Asian skin—a meta-analysis of 10 RCTs

Laser hair removal (LHR) is a widely adopted cosmetic procedure for long-term hair reduction.However, treating Asian skin (Fitzpatrick types III-V) presents challenges due to higher melanin content, which increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.Choosing appropriate laser systems and parameters is critical to optimizing outcomes while minimizing risks.This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of diode, Nd, and Alexandrite lasers in Asian populations through a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).A systematic search identified 10 RCTs involving 1,163 participants with Fitzpatrick type III-V skin.Laser systems evaluated included diode, Nd, and Alexandrite lasers.Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess effectiveness.Forest and Funnel plots were used to visualize effect sizes and identify publication bias.Diode and Nd lasers demonstrated superior hair reduction on darker skin with fewer reported side effects compared to Alexandrite lasers.Significant hair reduction was observed across all laser systems (SMD <-1.0, p<0.001).Funnel plot analysis showed no significant publication bias.LHR is effective and safe for Asian skin types when diode and Nd lasers are used.Personalized protocols, including fluence and session adjustments, are essential to minimize side effects.Future research should focus on long-term follow-up and exploring combination therapies to improve patient outcomes.