title: Long-term removal of unwanted hair using light.
abstract: Laser (or light) hair removal, also referred to as photoepilation, is the most commonly used laser or light-based cosmetic medical procedure. The extended theory of selective photothermolysis is the basic principle for destruction of hair follicles using light. In this type of laser application the chromophore is follicular melanin. Several types of lasers and light sources have been effective for hair reduction, including the ruby, alexandrite, diode, and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers and broadband, intense pulsed light sources. This article provides a broad overview of how hair can be removed using light, with an emphasis on practical considerations.
authors.affiliation: Photomedicine Institute, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, 835 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Soodabeh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zandi
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lui
mesh_terms: D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000254:growth & development*; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome