Alexandrite laser hair removal results in 2359 patients: a Turkish experience

Various lasers have been developed for epilation of unwanted hair. Effective hair removal in the Turkish population can be difficult, and multiple treatments are usually required for effective treatment.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of a long-pulsed alexandrite laser for hair removal in the Turkish population with Fitzpatrick skin types II-V exclusively and to determine the benefit of multiple treatments.

Retrospective clinical evaluation conducted from September 2005 to May 2008 at a referral private clinic. Pre-laser skin testing was performed starting at 16 J/cm(2) and the energy fluence was selected according to response. All subjects were followed for 6 months after their final treatment.

A total of 2359 patients are reported (264 men and 2095 women) ranging in age from 14 to 70 years, for a total of 3830 treatment sites. The majority of treatment sites were axillae (24.2%) followed by the bikini line (16.8%). Maximum reductions observed were 95% for axillae, 92% for the bikini line, 86% for breast, respectively. The patients had a mean 80.6% hair reduction. Complications occurred in only 2.2% of cases. Transient hyperpigmentation (0.7%), folliculitis (0.5%), transient hypopigmentation (0.5%), and blistering (0.4%) were commonly seen complications. No subjects had scarring or long-term pigmentary changes.

The long-pulsed alexandrite laser is safe for hair removal in darker skin tones. Although Turkish skin can be effectively treated with a cooled, long-pulsed alexandrite laser, complications do occur.