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Laser Hair Removal

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Handbook of Lasers in Dermatology

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Abstract

Laser hair removal is one of the most common non-surgical procedures performed in the United States. Excessive, unwanted hair can be seen in all ages, ethnicities and skin types and lasers can help provide a permanent reduction in hair growth. Professional and home-based laser and light systems are both currently available, with professional systems including the 694 nm ruby laser, 755 nm Alexandrite laser, the 800 nm diode laser, the long-pulsed 1,064 nm Neodymium doped: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), and radiofrequency. While generally safe, side effects from laser hair removal are possible and should only be used by trained medical professionals after performing a thorough history and physical examination. This chapter will provide a succinct approach to laser hair removal, including but not limited to available modalities, patient selection, reported side effects and management of care.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    When evaluating for idiopathic hirsutism, it is important to rule out conditions in which increased hair growth may be a harbinger for more serious underlying conditions. These may include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), congenital andrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or malignancies (Table 10.1).

  2. 2.

    Generalized secondary hypertrichosis, typically drug-induced, may resolve with removal of the inciting agent (Table 10.2).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami—Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Jennifer A. Ledon MD, Jessica A. Savas MD, Katlein Franca MD, MS & Keyvan Nouri MD

Authors
  1. Jennifer A. Ledon MD
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  2. Jessica A. Savas MD
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  3. Katlein Franca MD, MS
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  4. Keyvan Nouri MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer A. Ledon MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Miami, Florida, USA

    Keyvan Nouri

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

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Ledon, J.A., Savas, J.A., Franca, K., Nouri, K. (2014). Laser Hair Removal. In: Nouri, K. (eds) Handbook of Lasers in Dermatology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5322-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5322-1_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-5321-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-5322-1

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