title: Long-term evaluation of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser for the removal of bikini hair at shortened treatment intervals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser-assisted hair removal is becoming the treatment of choice for removing unwanted hair.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this work was to determine the long-term efficacy of the long-pulsed infrared (LPIR) laser at shortened treatment intervals for the treatment of bikini hair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients received five treatments at 3-week intervals to the right groin using the LPIR laser. Laser parameters were held constant for all treatments: 10 mm spot size, 20 J, and 20-msec pulse duration. Results were evaluated 1 year after the last laser treatment. Hair counts were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average patient had a 78% clearance of hair noted at 1 year with no evidence of scarring or pigmentary changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A simulated model of cutaneous hair follicles provides evidence that shorter treatment intervals (3 weeks) may be preferable for more complete destruction of the hair follicle bulb and bulge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Internal Medicine, Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, USA. jrl2@neoucom.edu
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mirkov
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome