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Histologic evaluation of a millisecond Nd:YAG laser for hair removal
Author(s) -
Goldberg David J.,
Silapunt Sirunya
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1033
Subject(s) - laser , fluence , hair follicle , hair removal , hirsutism , irradiation , millisecond , hypertrichosis , materials science , medicine , nuclear medicine , optics , dermatology , pathology , insulin resistance , physics , polycystic ovary , astronomy , nuclear physics , obesity
Background Hirsutism and hypertrichosis are common problems. Laser‐assisted hair removal has recently become a popular method to remove unwanted hair. However, histologic changes of the hair follicle after exposure to laser continue to require further investigation. Objective To determine the thermal effect of a millisecond Nd:YAG hair removal laser. Methods Six patients with black hair were treated with 50 msec pulsed Nd:YAG laser at fluences 30, 50 or 100 J/cm 2 . Histologic examinations were performed on each laser‐treated site at 24–72 hours after laser exposure. Results Fluence–dependent selective thermal injury to follicles was seen. The average depth of acute laser injury at fluences 30, 50 and 100 J/cm 2 were 1.06, 0.85 and 1.11 millimeters, respectively. Conclusions Long‐pulsed millisecond Nd:YAG lasers produce selective thermal damage of hair follicles. Varied laser fluences used in this study did not statistically alter the degree of thermal injury. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:159–161, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.