Hair Removal for Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI Using Light and Heat Energy Technology

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of a light and heat energy (LHE)-based system (SkinStaion® system; Radiancy Inc, Orangeburg, NY, USA) for hair removal in subjects with skin types V and VI.

Methods: Thirty-one subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI were consented for treatment with the system. Twenty-six subjects completed the 12-week follow-up. Safety was evaluated at each visit and efficacy was evaluated at both follow-up visits.

Results: An average hair clearance of 41.7% from 57 treatment sites was reported at the 6-week follow-up visit and a 35.5% average hair clearance was reported at the 12-week follow-up. Edema was only reported in 2 cases (7.7%) of the study population. Eleven cases of erythema were reported following treatment.

Conclusion: Treatment with the modified LHE system was safe and effective for hair removal in patients with skin types V and VI.