Ruby Laser Treatment for Hirsutism: Clinical Response and Patient Tolerance

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.