Evaluation of patient satisfaction after treatment with the alexandrite laser for hirsutism

Abstract

<span>Background: Laser treatment is a rapid, non-invasive procedure for long-term hair removal. Lasers operate based on the principle of selective photothermolysis and target melanin in the hair follicle. We intend to determine the level of hirsute patient satisfaction with the alexandrite laser hair removal procedure.</span><br /><span>Methods: In this cross-sectional study 82 hirsute patients with unwanted hair on their faces were enrolled. The patients received treatment with a 755 nm alexandrite laser (GentleLASE, Candela Corporation, USA). We documented their level of satisfaction with this laser in terms of hair removal. Laser therapy, electrolysis, and depilation were compared.</span><br /><span>Results: Patients ≥30 years old expressed greater satisfaction compared to those <30 years of age (P=0.03). Patients with medically related hirsutism had the same satisfaction as the idiopathic hirsute group (P=0.81). Patients rated laser hair removal as 4.12 compared to depilation and 3.96 compared to electrolysis. From total patients, 60.97% would recommend laser treatment to other hirsute patients. There were 79.3% of patients who expressed satisfaction with alexandrite laser hair removal.</span><br /><span>Conclusions: Most patients expressed satisfaction with the alexandrite laser hair removal procedure. Age played a significant role in patient satisfaction.</span>