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Hair Removal: Laser vs. Electrolysis

Before the development of long-pulsed laser therapy in the late 1990s, electrolysis was considered the treatment of choice for inducing permanent hair growth reduction. Although there still is debate about the ultimate results of laser hair removal, (that is, its ability to produce permanent reduction without future regrowth), it has several distinct advantages over electrolysis, including faster treatment and reduced pain.

These authors compared the effectiveness of electrolysis and long-pulsed alexandrite laser therapy in removing 24 areas of unwanted axillary hair in 12 patients. Electrolysis was performed at a current of 4-8 mA 4 different times at 3-week intervals on the patients' right axillar areas, and the laser at an energy of 30-50 joules per cm² 3 different times at 4-week intervals on the patients' left. Six months after the initial treatment, hair counts decreased an average of 74% with laser treatment and 35% with electrolysis. Laser treatment was 60 times faster, and patients considered it less painful than electrolysis.

Comment: Although electrolysis permanently reduces hair growth, it is slow, tedious, and painful, and takes years to produce results, even in small areas. This study confirms that long-pulsed laser treatment is more effective, less painful, and much faster, and suggests that dermatologists can treat larger areas in each session. Lasers are more expensive than electrolysis units, but lasers' speed and efficacy appear to outweigh the cost differential.

— JS Dover

Published in Journal Watch Dermatology February 1, 2000

Citation(s):

Gorgu M et al. Comparison of alexandrite laser and electrolysis for hair removal. Dermatol Surg 2000 Jan 26 37-41.

• Medline abstract (Free)