Laughlin, 2000  Title: Long-Term Hair Removal Using a 3-Millisecond
Alexandrite Laser.
Authors: Laughlin SA, Dudley DK
Journal: J Cutan Med Surg 2000 Apr;4(2):83-88
PMID: 11179930
Affiliated institution: Division of Dermatology,
University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: Laser epilation is now used widely as a clinical
alternative to electrolysis for the removal of unwanted hair.
All of the laser systems presently being used produce a reliable
temporary hair loss by inducing telogen. Most of the published
studies use follow-up periods of 6 months or less after the last
treatment and cannot address the issue of permanency. Since many
patients desire permanent hair loss, there is a need for specific
information on the exact benefits and limitations of each particular
system. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the
degree of hair loss attained by a single treatment with a 3-msec
alexandrite laser. A designated period for follow-up was used
to address the issue of long-term benefits. METHODS: A single
treatment was carried out on 25 study sites with a 3-msec alexandrite
laser at 755 nm using fluences of 30 to 50 joules/cm2. Hair counts
were obtained manually by two independent observers marking terminal
hairs under magnification. The counts were repeated using photographic
images and the average of the four readings taken. The degree
of hair loss was calculated at a time after treatment equal to
one complete growth cycle for the particular anatomic site. A
second measurement was obtained at a time equal to one growth
cycle plus 6 months to determine whether any hair loss had remained
stable. RESULTS: The average hair loss at the first follow-up
time was 43%, with 60% of sites showing a hair loss of >30%.
The hair loss remained stable and the reduction in hair density
at both designated times was statistically significant (p <.05).
CONCLUSION: A normal-mode alexandrite laser achieves a long-term
alopecia and may result in a permanent loss of terminal hair after
one treatment at fluences of 30 to 50 joules/cm2.
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