Eficácia e segurança da epilação com luz intensa pulsada: revisão sistemática de ensaios aleatorizados e controlados e metanálise

Abstract

The demand for long-lasting hair removal procedures has significantly increased over recent decades, driven not only by individuals with hair growth disorders but also by the general population. Effective hair removal positively impacts self-esteem and quality of life, further enhancing the demand for these procedures. In this context, evaluating the efficacy of available techniques and compiling robust scientific evidence are crucial to ensure safety and long-term effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair removal. A comprehensive search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify randomized clinical trials comparing IPL with other hair removal methods. A total of 481 articles were initially identified, and after the removal of 105 duplicates, 376 records remained for screening by title and abstract. Of these, 293 were excluded, resulting in 83 studies eligible for full-text review, 70 of which were excluded after applying the eligibility criteria. Ultimately, 13 studies were included, from which data on hair count, pain, and adverse effects (burns and hyperpigmentation) were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using the meta package in R (v.4.2.1) to calculate standardized mean differences.No significant differences were observed between IPL and other hair removal methods (diode laser, Nd:YAG, and Alexandrite) in terms of hair count both in the short (<6 months) and long term (>6 months). However, IPL was associated with less pain and a lower risk of burns, while other methods showed a higher risk of hyperpigmentation. The studies included demonstrated considerable heterogeneity, and most were assessed as having an unclear risk of bias. These findings underscore the need for future research with improved methodological quality to refine the current conclusions and provide more definitive insights into the comparative safety and efficacy of IPL for hair removal.