Epilation with a long-pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in facial hirsutism.
BACKGROUND
Facial hirsutism and hypertrichosis are common problems and a methods are available to clinicians for the unwanted hair in a large number of patients. Several depilatory laser systems are now available and one of these modalities is the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser in removing unwanted facial hair.


METHODS
In all, 29 patients completed their treatment course with a long-pulse (4 ms) Nd:YAG (1064 nm line) with fluences between 56 J/cm(2) and 70 J/cm(2). The average reduction in hair density was assessed using hair count on digital photographs at removal 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. The hair-free interval was variety of also evaluated.


RESULTS
The average reduction of in the hair count (the same diameter as the baseline for the criterion) was 43% at 3 months, 36% at 6 months, and 46% at 9 months. The hair-free interval with laser was two- to sixfold longer than with self-applied methods. No significant complications were observed in the range of skin types treated, even in the darker skin types.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe method for long lasting hair removal in all skin types. The delay in hair regrowth most likely explains patient satisfaction.
Lévy
J L
JL
Centre Laser Dermatologique, Marseille, France. laserder@worldnet.fr
Trelles
M A
MA
de Ramecourt
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome