Patient satisfaction with laser hair removal.
BACKGROUND
Laser hair removal (LHR) is a widely used treatment for unwanted hair.


OBJECTIVE
To determine patient satisfaction with LHR.


METHODS
The clinic offered LHR by long pulse ruby, alexandrite and Nd:YAG. Patients attending the LHR clinic completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Satisfaction with LHR treatment was recorded on a linear analogue scale (LAS 0 = laser very much worse than alternative method; 10 = laser very much better than the alternative method).


RESULTS
In terms of hair removal, 71% of patients were satisfied with their treatment. Laser treatment compared favourably with electrolysis and waxing. LHR scored 8.6 when compared with electrolysis and 7.7 when compared with waxing. During LHR treatments, 61% of patients used fewer ancillary methods than before. Most patients would recommend LHR to other persons with unwanted hair.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients were satisfied with LHR.
Preston
P W
PW
Birmingham Skin Centre, City Hospital and Lasercare Clinics, Birmingham, UK.
Lanigan
S W
SW