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The demand for safe, long-lasting, and effective hair reduction for aesthetic as well as medical indications is on the rise. A variety of options for hair removal are available, such as epilation by plucking or waxing, depilation by shaving, chemical depilatories, electrolysis, eflornithine cream, and laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems. A variety of lasers and IPL systems are available and are the best option for long-term hair reduction. This activity describes the different lasers, their indications, contraindications and complications and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in educating patients who want to undergo hair removal. Objectives: Describe the different lasers used for hair removal. Review the indications for laser hair removal. Summarize the complications of laser hair removal. Outline interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance care bundle approaches for hair removal with the laser and improving outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

The demand for safe, long-lasting, and effective hair reduction for aesthetic as well as medical indications is on the rise. A variety of options for hair removal are available, such as epilation by plucking or waxing, depilation by shaving, chemical depilatories, electrolysis, eflornithine cream, and laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems. A variety of lasers and IPL systems are available and are the most effective options for long-term hair reduction.[1] The mechanism of action of these systems is the targeting melanin in the hair shaft, follicular epithelium, and hair matrix by emitting light with wavelengths ranging from 600 to 1200 nanometers (nm), because those wavelengths are selectively absorbed by melanin.[2]

Adjacent epidermal structures other than melanin within the hair bulb can compete for absorption, and may cause laser energy to be absorbed by pigment in the epidermis. This hampers the effectiveness of the treatment and causes adverse effects due to adjacent epithelial damage. [17] Common adverse effects of laser or IPL-based hair removal include post-treatment erythema, pain, and burning.[18] More severe adverse effects include blistering, crusting, dyspigmentation, purpura, and sometimes scarring.[19][20] Ocular complications due to accidental injury may be seen. Paradoxical hypertrichosis may rarely occur, more commonly in skin type III and with the use of IPL systems.[21][22][23]

Laser hair removal is performed by many healthcare workers including nurses, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, primary care providers and other cosmetic surgeons. Unfortunately, because of lack of oversight, complications are common during this procedure. To make matters worse, patients are often given unrealistic expectations. The key is to use the correct laser, especially in dark skinned individuals. Common adverse effects of laser or IPL-based hair removal include post-treatment erythema, pain, and burning.[18] More severe adverse effects include blistering, crusting, dyspigmentation, purpura, and sometimes, scarring.[19][20] Ocular complications due to accidental injury may be seen. Paradoxical hypertrichosis may rarely occur, more commonly in skin type III and with the use of IPL systems.[21][22][23] Overall, lasers can remove hair but rarely does the procedure provide a permanent cure for hair growth. Touch up maintenance treatments are required for most patients in the long term.