Successful hair removal on intraoral grafts using the diode laser: Report of two cases

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the successful epilation of intraoral grafts using the diode laser system.Methods and Results: Two male patients at a 12‐month follow‐up – who underwent radical resection of oral cancer located in the mouth floor and tongue followed by reconstruction with cutaneous flap – showed hypertrichosis in the graft region, leading to dysphagia and dysphonia. The diode (980 nm) laser was performed for both cases in order to remove the ectopic hair. Excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes with total hair removal and alteration of the tissue surface were achieved.Conclusions: There is no currently standard protocol for the laser epilation use on hairy grafts because each graft required a different number of sessions for total epilation. The diode laser system appears to be a successful therapeutic option for patients suffering from hypertrichrosis in the oral cavity.

Intraoral laser hair removal: A scoping review

“…[24][25][26][27][28] In the literature, LHR has emerged as one potentially promising method to eradicate intraoral hair. 1,3,5,9,18,23 Though primarily demonstrated through case reports, the cumulative results from the present scoping review strengthen the evidence in favor of this technique as a safe and effective treatment option.…”

“…As a result, patients who undergo oral reconstruction with hair‐bearing tissues are susceptible to intraoral hair growth postoperatively 24–28 . In the literature, LHR has emerged as one potentially promising method to eradicate intraoral hair 1,3,5,9,18,23 . Though primarily demonstrated through case reports, the cumulative results from the present scoping review strengthen the evidence in favor of this technique as a safe and effective treatment option.…”

“…Of the 22 included studies, over half documented the debilitating side effects caused by the ectopic hair growth. [2][3][4][5][9][10][11]13,[15][16][17]19,20,22,23 Patients complained of poor oral hygiene, halitosis, dysphagia, dysphonia, and difficulties chewing, eating, and swallowing. There were also reports of nausea, coughing, and gagging, underscoring the distressing unbearable nature of this condition.…”

“…In the literature, however, several groups have successfully treated this condition with intraoral LHR. [1][2][3][4][5] LHR is a commonly used, safe, and effective treatment option to remove unwanted hair from the body. 1,2 It uses light energy to selectively target the melanin containing cells within the hair follicle, resulting in permanent hair diminishment from the skin surface.…”

“…Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol for secondary ectopic intraoral hair growth after reconstructive surgery. In the literature, however, several groups have successfully treated this condition with intraoral LHR 1–5 . LHR is a commonly used, safe, and effective treatment option to remove unwanted hair from the body 1,2 .…”