Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light therapy (IPL 690nm) and triple wavelength diode laser (755nm, 810nm, 1064nm) in treating lower face hirsutism in Fitzpatrick phototype III-V: A randomised split-face interventional study

Background Hirsutism is defined as the presence of terminal coarse hair in females in an androgen-dependent male pattern distribution. Effective and safe hair reduction methods are essential for managing this condition. Various laser technologies have emerged as popular options for long-term hair reduction. This study was a split-face interventional clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Triple wavelength diode laser in treating lower face hirsutism in 33 female patients. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of four sessions of IPL with four sessions of triple-wavelength diode laser in reducing hair density in female patients with lower face hirsutism. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety profile of both treatments to determine suitability for long-term use. Methods This split-face interventional clinical trial included 33 female patients of lower face hirsutism with Fitzpatrick phototypes III-V. Each patient's face was divided in half; one side was treated with IPL and the other with a triple-wavelength diode laser. The choice of treatment on each side was decided by computerised randomisation. Both treatments were administered in four sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The number of hairs in a 2 cm2 area were calculated at baseline, before each session, and one month after the last session. Clinical photographs were taken at baseline, before each session, and one month after the final session to evaluate the results. The patients were also asked to report hair regrowth time after each session. Patients' satisfaction with the results of treatment were recorded as fully satisfied, satisfied, or unsatisfied. Results The mean percentage of hair reduction was significantly higher in the triple wavelength diode group (74.15 ± 5.38%) compared to the IPL group (46.47 ± 6.91%) after one month of the 4th sitting. Moreover, patients treated with the triple wavelength diode laser reported a mean hair regrowth time of 22.67 ± 1.78 days one month after the fourth session, compared to 13.58 ± 0.94 days in the IPL group. However, both treatments demonstrated comparable safety profile. No serious, adverse, or permanent effects were observed with both technologies. Limitation Small sample size. Conclusion Triple wavelength diode laser (755nm, 810nm, 1064 nm) is more efficacious than IPL (690nm filter) in the reduction of hair density in patients with lower face hirsutism. Nevertheless, both modalities are equally safe.