Pain inhibition with pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) in permanent diode laser hair removal

Abstract

Permanent laser-based hair removal is normally associated with acute pain. Pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) is a new technology which activates tactile and pressure skin receptors to naturally block the transmission of pain to the brain during laser-based aesthetic treatments (gate theory of pain control). Efficacy and pain reduction was evaluated compared with controls for the treatment of hair removal with PSF and a high-energy diode laser (LightSheer, Lumenis). Ten patients were treated for hair removal with the LightSheer at energy densities of 26-30 J/cm(2). Each patient was treated with PSF and without PSF (control sites). Pain was evaluated on a 1-10 scale level. Hair growth was compared 1 month following treatment. Pain reduction was achieved with the PSF chamber in 9/10 patients. Hair removal efficacy was preserved. The PSF technology considerably reduces pain in hair removal with high-power diode lasers. Treatment efficacy is preserved with identical energy densities. Moreover, energy density may be increased without pain or side effects, resulting in the potential to enhance efficacy. Analgesic creams are no longer required.