Synopsis of laser assisted hair removal systems.

Conventional treatment options for hypertrichosis and hirsutism are tedious and time consuming. Laser hair removal offers an efficient way to permanently reduce excessive hair growth. Hair is damaged using the principle of selective photothermolysis with wavelengths of light well absorbed by follicular melanin and pulse durations that selectively thermally damage the target without damaging surrounding tissue. Patients with dark hair and light skin are ideal candidates. Multiple treatments (3 to 6) performed every 6-8 weeks are necessary to achieve a permanent reduction of hair growth. As the field develops, a better sense of the effectiveness of laser hair removal will evolve and reasonable expectations will be determined.