J Dermatolog Treat. 2004 Apr;15(2):72-83.
PMID: 15204156
Biological and clinical aspects in laser hair removal.
Lepselter J, Elman M.
Msq P.O. Box 3021, Caesarea 38900 Israel. lepselt@bezeqint.net
INTRODUCTION: In the past century, unwanted hair has been traditionally treated with multitudes of techniques that were found to be slow, tedious, painful, impractical, and resulted in poor long-term efficacy. Consequently, there has been a public demand for a novel, rapid, reliable, safe, and affordable hair removal technique. In the last decade, laser and light-based technology for hair removal became one of the fastest growing procedures in modern cosmetic dermatology. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the latest scientific and clinical issues in the field of photoepilation as evolved in the past decade: hair biology, laser physics and skin optics, technology and clinical experience. RESULTS: From substantial clinical experience, it becomes apparent that in the ideal subject with fair skin and dark hair, a single treatment can reduce hair by 10-40%; three treatments by 30-70%; and repeated treatments by as much as 90%. These results persist for as long as 12 months. Diffuse and perifollicular cutaneous erythema and pigmentary changes are the most common adverse side effects. Most complications are generally temporary. CONCLUSIONS: Photoepilation, when properly used, offers clear advantages when compared with older, traditional techniques. Although an ever-increasing number of published studies have confirmed the safety and short and long-term efficacy of photoepilation, the technology still has limits and risks.
Publication Types: Review
Review, Tutorial