Ruby laser-assisted hair removal - long-term results after repeated treatments

The long-pulsed ruby laser has been used to remove unwanted body hair with encouraging results. It is clear from various studies that complete removal of hair is unlikely after a single treatment and diverse response rates ha ve been observed in various individuals. It was the aim of this study to ex amine the efficacy of ruby laser hair removal after repeated treatments and to assess the patients' satisfaction with this method of hair removal. In all, 88 patients were treated with the Chromes 694 Depilation Ruby Laser (S LS/Biophile, Wales) at monthly intervals for 4 months and their hair densit y was measured at 7 and 12 months after the first treatment. The average re duction in hair density was 13.7% at 1 year, which was statistically signif icant. No adverse long-term side effects were seen. Although only 44.3% of patients had reduced hair count at 1 year, 79.5% patients were satisfied wi th their treatment. In conclusion, we have shown in this study that the lon g-pulsed ruby laser is only effective in permanently removing a small propo rtion of unwanted dark coloured body hair. This method of hair removal is, however, superior to other conventional types of hair removal according to the patients' subjective observation, because it slows the hair growth, cau ses thinning of hair, and provides good temporary control of hair from most treatment sites.