The following is a summary of a preliminary report conducted at the Department of Dermatology, University of Vienna.

The Study was led by Ao Univ-Prof. Dr Robert Knobler, Director of the Photopheresis Centre, Assisted by Ao Univ-Prof Dr. Reinhard Neumann, Director of the Laser Centre and Dr Hesam Nahavandi.
 
This report confirms the effectiveness of Variable Pulsed Light technology and demonstrates the low incidence of transient side-effects.

Division Of Special & Environmental Dermatology
Robert Knobler, MDAssoc prof of dermatology department of dermatology, university of Vienna medical school Wahringer Gurtel 18-20, a-1090 Vienna, Austria.

Vienna, September 12, 2003

Preliminary Report
 
VPL™ - Hair Removal: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety
 
Background: Several studies have reported the efficacy of hair removal using intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of variable pulsed light (ELITEplus VPL™, Energist Limited). In the treatment of hypertrichosis, which also included those who had previously failed other forms of treatment.
 
Results: Eighty-one (81) % of the areas treated showed hair clearance of over 50%, with Forty-six (46) % showed hair clearance of over 75% while thirty five percent had clearance between 50-75%. The side effects associated with the treated areas included transient erythema (49%) and leucotrichia (14%). These effects were minimal and did not lead to any exclusion from the study. Transient pigmentary changes were not observed.
 
Conclusion: The variable pulse light system (ELITEplus VPL™) used in this trial presents itself as an effective and safe method for hair removal due to hypertrichosis. It is particularly effective in fair-skinned individuals with dark hair (skin type III-IV). Adverse effects are minimal and transient, and in no patient was significant enough to interrupt treatment.