Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a long-pulsed ruby laser system in the removal of unwanted hair

BACKGROUND. Unwanted hair growth is a common, usually physiologic phenomeno n. OBJECTIVE. In this study the efficacy and tolerability of a long-pulsed rub y laser system was compared with needle electrolysis and hot wax on three p arts of the body. METHODS. Thirty volunteers were treated three times on the forearm (n = 10) , on the face (n = 10), or in the pubic area (n = 10) with 25 J/cm(2) laser , 40 J/cm(2) laser, needle electrolysis, and hot wax therapy. RESULTS. The 25 J/cm(2) and 40 J/cm(2) laser treated sites showed a statist ically significant decrease (38% and 49%; respectively) in the number of ha irs at the first visit after the Last treatment compared to the pretreatmen t hair counts.. No significant decrease was observed in the needle electrol ysis and hot wax treated sites. Laser therapy yielded better results on the forearm than on the face or pubic area and was scored as the least painful . CONCLUSION. The long-pulsed ruby laser is a promising, well-tolerated metho d of epilation.