Laser-assisted hair removal by selective photothermolysis - Preliminary results

BACKGROUND. Laser-assisted hair removal with the long pulsed ruby laser is a promising new technique based on selectively targeting melanin in hair follicles. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the long pulsed ruby laser (EpiTouch) for hair removal. METHODS, The Epitouch laser was used for hair removal of the arms of 20 patients. The areas were evaluated immediately post-treatment, and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, for efficacy and complications. RESULTS. Postoperative results showed 40-80% regrowth after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION. Selective melanin-based photothermolysis with I: free running pulsed ruby laser seems to be a promising, nonin- vasive technique for long-term hair removal. More than one treatment is necessary since only anagen hair will be affected. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.