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Permanent hair removal by normal-mode ruby laser
C C Dierickx1, M C Grossman, W A Farinelli
1Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass 02114, USA.
Archives of Dermatology
|July 29, 1998
Summary
A single normal-mode ruby laser treatment can permanently remove hair. This hair removal method, assessed over two years, resulted in significant hair loss and follicle miniaturization without scarring.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure.
- Traditional methods can be temporary or cause side effects.
- Laser technology offers a potential for long-term hair reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and permanence of hair removal using normal-mode ruby laser treatment.
- To assess the duration of hair loss following a single laser session.
Main Methods:
- A single treatment of normal-mode ruby laser pulses (694 nm) was administered to 13 volunteers.
- Fluences ranged from 30 to 60 J/cm2 on shaved and epilated skin.
- Hair counts were manually assessed over a 2-year period post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Transient alopecia was observed in all participants.
- Four participants exhibited significant, persistent hair loss at 2 years post-treatment.
- Histological analysis revealed miniaturized hair follicles, correlating with hair loss.
Conclusions:
- Permanent, nonscarring alopecia is achievable with a single high-fluence ruby laser treatment.
- Follicular miniaturization is the likely mechanism behind the observed permanent hair removal.