The free-running
ruby laser has recently been introduced for removal of unwanted hair growth. It is assumed that the mode of action of
ruby laser depilation is that of selective photothermolysis of the
melanin-rich structures. The present data reflects our results of ruby treatment of 133 patients attending a dermatological
laser clinic for
hair removal. When success of the
laser treatment was defined as greater than 50%
hair removal, 59.0% of patients reported successful results after 90 or more days after last treatment. With success defined as greater than 25%
hair removal at 90 days, successful treatment was obtained in 75.0%. Also, the patients evaluated the overall result of their treatments. The percentage of patients who were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" after 90 days was 64.2%. Only a few side-effects were observed. In general,
pain was no clinical problem. No significant
scarring was observed. A temporary
hypopigmentation was experienced by approximately 10%, but only one patient still had
hypopigmentation 90 days
after treatment. Due to variability of hair density as well as anagen and telogen phase durations in different anatomical locations, firm conclusions regarding the long-term effect still cannot be drawn.