Long-Term Evaluation of the Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Laser for the Removal of Bikini Hair at Shortened Treatment Intervals

BACKGROUND: Laser-assisted hair removal is becoming the treatment of choice for removing unwanted hair. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to determine the long-term efficacy of the long-pulsed infrared (LPIR) laser at shortened treatment intervals for the treatment of bikini hair. METHODS: Eleven patients received five treatments at 3-week intervals to the right groin using the LPIR laser. Laser parameters were held constant for all treatments: 10 mm spot size, 20 J, and 20-msec pulse duration. Results were evaluated 1 year after the last laser treatment. Hair counts were performed. RESULTS: The average patient had a 78% clearance of hair noted at 1 year with no evidence of scarring or pigmentary changes. CONCLUSIONS: A simulated model of cutaneous hair follicles provides evidence that shorter treatment intervals (3 weeks) may be preferable for more complete destruction of the hair follicle bulb and bulge.