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Reconceptualizing the permanence of alexandrite laser hair removal results: a long-term follow-up study

ABSTRACT Background: The permanence of Alexandrite laser hair removal (LHR) has been of great interest. However, studies on long-term outcome are lacking. Objective: To evaluate the hair reduction rates (HRRs) and laser parameters of patients who no longer need epilation after LHR, and redefine permanence. Patients & Methods: Out of 183, 100 patients who discontinue epilation at least 2 years after LHR were included in the study. Self-perceived HRRs and patient satisfaction were recorded through patient questionnaires. The correlations between HRRs and treatment parameters, and the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were assessed. Results: Treatment sites were the face, legs, trunk, arm and bikini regions. Twenty-one patients had PCOS. The means of results (in range) were as follows; HRRs [56.28% (±19.73) and 67.74% (±16.42)]; the session numbers [5.52 (±2.50) and 9.80 (±4.15)] and, the treatment durations [62.2 (±40.0) and 90.0 (±45.9) weeks]. All patients stated they no longer require epilation since the remaining hairs were too thin to be noticed. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that, even in the presence of PCOS, hair reduction together with thinning satisfy patients without total removal of hairs. Therefore, the elimination of the need for epilation might be considered as the ‘permanent result’ of LHR.