Facial Hair Reduction Using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) & Alexandrite Laser

Phase 2

• Conditions: Hirsutism
• Interventions: Device: Alexandrite Laser; Device: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

• Registration Number: NCT01461694
• Lead Sponsor: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of the IPL system 650advance handpiece with the alexandrite laser for the purposes of female facial hair reduction

Detailed Description

This is a randomised (splitface)controlled trial, comparing the use of the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system 650 advance handpiece against the Alexandrite Laser for the purposes of female facial hair reduction. Previous studies have shown that the alexandrite laser is superior to IPL in achieving hair reduction. A new handpiece (Lynton, Lumina 650 advance) available for the IPL system is designed to further optimise its use in removing female facial hair (particularly those hair colours previously unresponsive to treatment). This study will compare the alexandrite laser to the IPL system using the new handpiece. This may lead to improvements in the treatment of female patients with male pattern facial hair. Female patients referred to our facial hair reduction service will be recruited to this study. 1/2 their face will be treated with IPL and 1/2 with alexandrite laser. Each participant will receive 6 full treatments at approximately 6 weekly intervals. Participants will be asked to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire and have clinical photographs taken pre treatment and at 1 and 3months post final treatment. All treatments will be carried out in our dedicated laser suite at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2011-10-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-10-26
• Study First Posted: 2011-10-28
• Study Start: 2011-11
• Status Verified: 2012-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-05-11
• Last Update Posted: 2012-05-14
• Primary Completion: 2013-03
• Study Completion: 2013-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 35

Inclusion Criteria

• Female Patients
• Minimum age 16years old
• Fitzpatrick skin types I-III
• Significant facial hair.

Exclusion Criteria

• Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI
• Age less than 16years old
• Males
• No visible facial hair growth
• Use of electrolysis or depilatory creams 6weeks prior to treatment
• Active acnes
• Current coldsore
• Previous facial hair removal with laser or IPL in past 12 months
• Sun tanned skin

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Alexandrite Laser	Alexandrite Laser	Half face treated with Alexandrite Laser
IPL	Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)	Half face treated with IPL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in total Hair Count measurement at 1month post final treatment from baseline	Baseline and 1 month	Pre Treatment hair count assessed using videomicroscopy as baseline. Post final treatment hair counts will be measured again at 1month to assess if there has been a reduction in total hair count from pre-treatment
Change in total hair count at 3months post final treatment from baseline	Baseline and 3months post final treatment	Pre Treatment hair count assessed using videomicroscopy as baseline. Post final treatment hair counts will be measured again at 3months to assess if there has been a reduction in total hair count from pre-treatment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary; 🇬🇧 Glasgow, United Kingdom