LASER-ASSISTED HAIR REMOVAL BY SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMOLYSIS - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

BACKGROUND. Laser-assisted hair removal with the long pulsed ruby lase r is a promising new technique based on selectively targeting melanin in hair follicles. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluat e the efficacy and safety of the long pulsed ruby laser (EpiTouch) for hair removal. METHODS, The Epitouch laser was used for hair removal o f the arms of 20 patients. The areas were evaluated immediately post-t reatment, and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, for efficacy and complications . RESULTS. Postoperative results showed 40-80% regrowth after 12 weeks . CONCLUSION. Selective melanin-based photothermolysis with I: free ru nning pulsed ruby laser seems to be a promising, nonin- vasive techniq ue for long-term hair removal. More than one treatment is necessary si nce only anagen hair will be affected. (C) 1997 by the American Societ y for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.