Patient satisfaction study of unwanted facial and body hair: 5 years experience with intense pulsed light

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed in order to evaluate patient satisfaction with epilation using an intense pulsed light source. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2000, 416 patients consulted the authors' practice because of unwanted facial and body hair. A total of 309 patients received treatment with a non-coherent, filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source. In February 2000, a questionnaire was mailed to each patient and 207 replies were obtained. RESULTS: Overall, 45 (22%) of patients were very satisfied, 93 (45%) were satisfied and 69 (33%) remained unsatisfied with the outcome of light-assisted hair removal. The non-coherent, filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source satisfactorily removed unwanted dark hair. Hair-free periods from weeks to years could be observed. CONCLUSION: Hair removal by a non-coherent, filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source is an effective and safe method for long-term epilation of unwanted hair. This technique offers a more reliable and practical solution than any other hair removal method, especially for patients with skin irritation and ingrown hair.