Hair removal treatment using 1,064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in auricular post reconstruction of microtia patient: two case reports

Abstract

Microtia is a congenital anomaly of the external and middle ear with various degrees of severity. The hair growth on the reconstructed auricle causes aesthetic problems. We describe two cases about the successful epilation of unwanted hair in postauricular reconstruction of microtia patients using 1,064 nm long-pulsed neodymium: ytrium-alumunium-garnet (LP Nd:YAG) laser in Fitzpatrick skin type IV patients, using 6x6 mm tip, 35 J/cm2 fluence, 10 ms pulse, and 1 Hz frequency with burnt of hair as an endpoint. On the follow up day 11 of case one and day 7 of case two, the hair reductions on treated auricles were 46% and 58%, respectively, with no adverse effects. Minimal 6 repeated sessions are recommended for optimal result. In these case reports, LP Nd:YAG laser treatment is considered effective for the unwanted hair growth on the reconstructed auricle in dark skin type patients with minimal risk of adverse effect.

Long‐pulsed neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet for hair reduction in pediatric microtia repair

“…Two other studies have described the use of LP Nd:YAG in a total of three patients, all of whom were adults. [7][8][9][10][11][12] LP Nd:YAG is often used for epilation of darker skin to minimize the risk of side effects. Given melanin's limited absorption of light at 1064 nm, there is less epidermal absorption and subsequent dyschromia.…”

“…Others have described the use of IPL and long‐pulsed alexandrite lasers. Two other studies have described the use of LP Nd:YAG in a total of three patients, all of whom were adults 7–12 …”

“…6 Few studies have investigated laser hair removal in the setting of microtia reconstruction. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] We present the largest case series of long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (LP Nd:YAG) laser for hair reduction as part of the surgical reconstruction for microtia.…”

“…In many cases, the reconstructed auricle may include hair‐bearing skin of the scalp, motivating the use of laser epilation following reconstruction 6 . Few studies have investigated laser hair removal in the setting of microtia reconstruction 6–12 . We present the largest case series of long‐pulsed neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (LP Nd:YAG) laser for hair reduction as part of the surgical reconstruction for microtia.…”