Ruby Laser Treatment for Hirsutism: Clinical Response and Patient Tolerance
Studysummary This study found that normal mode ruby laser treatment for hirsutism is well tolerated and results in significant hair count reduction for at least six months, with multiple treatments offering greater effects. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerance of ruby laser treatment for hirsutism in 43 patients with skin types I–IV. Using a pulse width of 950 μs, a 4 mm spot, and a mean fluence of 48 J/cm², one site on each patient was treated once, and another site received four monthly treatments. After a single treatment, hair counts reduced to 46% of pretreatment values at 1 month, increased to 80% at 3 months, and were 66% at 6 months. After three treatments, hair counts reduced to 29% at 1 month and increased to 44% three months after four treatments. The treatment was well tolerated, with mild erythema and swelling in 60% of patients, mild blistering in 14%, and crusting in 33%. The study concluded that ruby laser treatment was well tolerated and effective in reducing hair counts for at least 6 months, with multiple treatments yielding better results.
