Medical-Cosmetic Devices for Home Use: Present and Future Considerations

López-Estebaranz, J.L.; Cuerda, E.

doi:10.1016/S1578-2190(10)70620-X

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Abstract

Laser systems and other energy sources for home use are being developed and will have an exponential growth in the coming years. It is in the field of laser hair removal and hair regrowth where these lasers and intense pulsed light systems for home use are gaining most ground. There are few studies supporting their efficacy and safety and there are still no long term studies. Currently these systems do not require medical prescription and can be purchased in the same way as any over-the-counter product. Although they are not a substitute for professional medical systems, they will play an important role in the treatment of medical and cosmetic conditions, and dermatologists should know about them. Technological progress and commercial and market pressures will encourage the development of more sophisticated devices and broaden the cosmetic and medical indications. Appropriate use and rigorous long-term studies would be desirable to better define their safety and efficacy.

Keywords:

Home laser systems

Laser

Hair removal

Intense pulsed light

Acne

Hair growth

Resumen

Los sistemas láser y otras fuentes energéticas de uso domiciliario se están desarrollando y van a tener un crecimiento exponencial durante los próximos años. Es en el campo de la depilación láser y la estimulación capilar donde mayor auge están teniendo estos sistemas láser y de luz pulsada intensa de uso domiciliario. Son escasos los estudios que avalan su eficacia y seguridad y no disponemos aún de estudios a largo plazo. Actualmente estos sistemas no requieren prescripción médica y se pueden adquirir como cualquier producto de venta sin receta. Aunque no sustituyen a los sistemas médicos profesionales, van a desempeñar un importante papel en el tratamiento de las patologías médico-estéticas, por lo que es conveniente el conocimiento de las mismas por parte de los dermatólogos. El desarrollo y avance tecnológico, así como la presión comercial y de los mercados, hará que aparezcan nuevos sistemas más sofisticados y para otras indicaciones dermoestéticas. Su correcta utilización y el desarrollo de estudios rigurosos a largo plazo sería deseable para establecer su eficacia y seguridad de forma más precisa.

Palabras clave:

Sistemas láser domiciliarios

Láser

Depilación

Luz pulsada intensa

Acné

Estimulación capilar

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