Laser Hair Reduction

Aka: Laser Hair Reduction, Laser Hair Removal, Photoepilation

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II. Indications

  1. Hirsutism
    1. Menopause: Chin, upper lip, anterior neck
    2. Men: Back, Shoulders

III. Mechanism

  1. Selective photothermolysis targets Melanin chromophore (light absorbing pigment) in Hair Bulb
  2. Blonde hair, red hair and gray hair do not have significant chromophore pigment

IV. Dosing

  1. Six treatment course with one month between each treatment

V. Efficacy

  1. Longterm reduction in Hair Growth by more than 50%
  2. Works best with dark hair on light skin

VI. Advantages

  1. Faster and less painful than other hair reduction methods

VII. Disadvantages

  1. Burn Injury risk
    1. Laser procedures incorporating internal cooling are the safest options
      1. Laser tip Temperature is maintained a constant cooler Temperature throughout procedure
    2. Expect localized swelling and redness in the first 24 hours
    3. Discomfort may occur with the procedure
  2. Minimally effective for light colored hair
  3. Ineffective for gray hair
  4. Hypopigmentation, Hyperpigmentation and scarring risk (especially in darker skinned patients)

VIII. Management

  1. Various light sources are used: Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (Photoepilation)
  2. Pulsed diode laser (least expensive, most reliable)
  3. YAG laser (best on dark skin, but short term effect)

IX. References

  1. Small (2009) Am Fam Physician 80(11): 1231-8 [PubMed]

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