ruby laser in the treatment of hirsutism

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • there is evidence that treatment with ruby laser significantly reduces hair counts in women with hirsutism

  • long-term effectiveness has yet to be established

  • ruby laser treatment is not suitable for pigmented skins

  • side effects include redness, swelling, mild crusting and blistering - these resolved in 2-3 days. A study (1) resulted in mild hyperpigmentation in some patients (patients with pigmented skin had been excluded from the study) but this faded despite repeated treatments.

Reference:

  • Sommer S et al (1998). Ruby laser treatment of hirsutism: clinical pattern and patient tolerance. Br J Dermatol; 138: 1009-14.