Long-term evaluation of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser for the removal of bikini hair at shortened treatment intervals.
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.
Lloyd
J R
JR
Department of Clinical Internal Medicine, Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, USA. jrl2@neoucom.edu
Mirkov
M
M
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