Patient satisfaction with laser hair removal

Patient satisfaction with laser hair removal
April 2003
To cite this article: P W Preston, S W Lanigan (2003)
Patient satisfaction with laser hair removal
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2 (2), 68Ò72.
doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00045.x
Blackwell Synergy

P W Preston & S W LaniganBirmingham Skin Centre, City Hospital and Lasercare Clinics, Birmingham, UK
Dr Sean W Lanigan, Consultant Dermatologist, Birmingham Skin Centre, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QH, UK. E-mail: sean.lanigan@swbh.nhs.uk
Keywords: alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, patient satisfaction, questionnaire, ruby laser

Summary

Background Laser hair removal (LHR) is a widely used treatment for unwanted hair.

Aim To determine patient satisfaction with LHR.

Methods The clinic offered LHR by long pulse ruby, alexandrite and Nd:YAG. Patients attending the LHR clinic completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Satisfaction with LHR treatment was recorded on a linear analogue scale (LAS 0 = laser very much worse than alternative method; 10 = laser very much better than the alternative method).

Results In terms of hair removal, 71% of patients were satisfied with their treatment. Laser treatment compared favourably with electrolysis and waxing. LHR scored 8.6 when compared with electrolysis and 7.7 when compared with waxing. During LHR treatments, 61% of patients used fewer ancillary methods than before. Most patients would recommend LHR to other persons with unwanted hair.

Conclusions Most patients were satisfied with LHR.

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