A clinical study of hair removal using the long-pulsed ruby laser.

Abstract

Laser hair removal is rapidly becoming a widely used modality. Clinical studies are needed to assess these hair removal systems. The long-pulsed ruby laser is one such modality for the removal of unwanted hair. To evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulsed ruby laser (694 nm, 3-msec pulsewidth, 7- or 10-mm spot size) in removing unwanted hair, and to provide treatment guidelines for the proper utilization of this laser system. Forty-eight areas of unwanted facial and body hair from 25 patients with blonde, brown, or black hair were treated with the long-pulsed ruby laser at fluences between 10 and 40 J/cm2. Hair regrowth was measured at 4 weeks after the first treatment, 4 weeks after the second treatment, 4 weeks after the third treatment, and 16 weeks after the third treatment by counting the number of terminal hairs compared with baseline pretreatment values. All complications and treatment outcomes were documented. The mean percent of regrowth after the first treatment was 65.5%, 41% after the second treatment, and 34% after the third treatment. Overall, regardless of skin type or targeted body region, patients who underwent three treatment sessions demonstrated an average 35% regrowth in terminal hair count compared with baseline pretreatment values 6 months after initial therapy. Long-pulsed ruby laser treatment resulted in significant hair growth delay in most cases. Repeated laser treatments produced an increased number of vellus hairs, an increase in growth delay, and a decreased percentage of hair regrowth.