Photoepilation of Unwanted Hair Growth

Abstract

Laser and IPL treatments for hair removal depend on the presence of melanin in the hair shaft. The ideal patient for laser hair removal has light skin with black, coarse hair. There is substantial evidence for laser and photoepilation with a total of 43 identified controlled trials in the beginning of 2009. Laser treatment and photoepilation are superior to conventional treatments such as shaving, waxing, and electrolysis. Repetitive treatments improve the efficacy from laser and photoepilation. A short-term hair removal efficacy up to 6 months after treatment is well-documented for ruby, alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers, as well as intense pulsed light. Evidence exists for a long-term hair removal efficacy beyond 6 months after repetitive treatments with alexandrite, diode, and long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers. White, grey, and red hairs do not respond sufficiently to standard treatments but eflornithine, topical melanin, and photodynamic therapy may offer new treatment options for these difficult-to-treat hair types although substantial evidence today is lacking. Today, there is no evidence for complete and persistent hair removal. Patients should be preoperatively informed of the expected treatment outcome from laser and IPL hair removal procedures in order to gain realistic expectations. Consumer-based home devices are evolving.