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.