The Wooden Spatula – an innovative way of reducing upper lip discomfort in Laser hair reduction. A half –half comparative study

Authors

  • Sudhir U K Nayak Associate Professor Dept. of Dermatolotgy & Venereology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
  • Smitha Prabhu Associate Professor Dept. of Dermatology Kasturba Medical College Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Karnataka, India http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2410-5208
  • Shafia Nisar Kakroo Junior Resident, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka India
  • Shrutakirthi Damodar Shenoi Professor Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Karnataka Indai

Keywords:

Wooden spatula, laser hair reduction, pain reduction, upper lip

Abstract

Objective Upper lip laser hair reduction (LHR) in females is a common aesthetic procedure, Procedural pain is a well-known side effect, and is countered by various methods. Here we describe a cost effective, non-time consuming simple technique for pain reduction. We evaluated the efficacy of properly placed gauze piece covered wooden spatula in reducing upper lip pain and discomfort. Methods  Prospective, non-blinded, split face comparative study. Twelve patients were included. LHR was performed on left side of the upper lip, pain score noted by visual analogue score, and then performed on the right side after using gauze covered spatula as a barrier between the lased skin and gum. Statistical analysis used: two tailed paired sample T- test. Results The pain scores before and after using the spatula were analysed and there was considerable reduction in pain in 10 out of 12 patients, which was statistically validated by the paired t test. All except one patient, requested use of spatula in further sittings. Conclusion The use of spatula as a simple, time and cost effective adjunct for pain reduction in upper lip laser hair reduction was validated. A small sample size was a  limitation here. The sitting at which the spatula was used is not a confounding factor as this is a split study where we have compared almost simultaneous reduction in pain. Spatula is an economical, cost effective, non time consuming way of pain reduction in upper lip laser patients. 

Author Biographies

Sudhir U K Nayak, Associate Professor Dept. of Dermatolotgy & Venereology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Associate ProfessorDept. of Dermatolotgy & Venereology,Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India XMultiCopyPasteTime to upgrade, it’s free!Simply click on the top left of the extension and register to get access to 10 shortcuts. Your email will remain secure, but we might get in touch for your feedback!

Smitha Prabhu, Associate Professor Dept. of Dermatology Kasturba Medical College Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Karnataka, India

Associate ProfessorDermatology & VenereologyKasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education XMultiCopyPasteTime to upgrade, it’s free!Simply click on the top left of the extension and register to get access to 10 shortcuts. Your email will remain secure, but we might get in touch for your feedback!

Shafia Nisar Kakroo, Junior Resident, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka India

Lecturer, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi XMultiCopyPasteTime to upgrade, it’s free!Simply click on the top left of the extension and register to get access to 10 shortcuts. Your email will remain secure, but we might get in touch for your feedback!

Shrutakirthi Damodar Shenoi, Professor Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Karnataka Indai

ProfessorKasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Karnataka Indai XMultiCopyPasteTime to upgrade, it’s free!Simply click on the top left of the extension and register to get access to 10 shortcuts. Your email will remain secure, but we might get in touch for your feedback!

References

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Published

2019-10-06

How to Cite

1.
Nayak SUK, Prabhu S, Kakroo SN, Shenoi SD. The Wooden Spatula – an innovative way of reducing upper lip discomfort in Laser hair reduction. A half –half comparative study. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2019Oct.6 [cited 2025Feb.14];29(2):203-7. Available from: http://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/1280

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