Long-Lasting Hypopigmentation Induced by Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Laser Photo-Epilation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Long-lasting hypopigmentation induced by laser hair removal systems has been reported. OBJECTIVE. : To evaluate clinical aspects of a female Caucasian that developed long-lasting hypopigmentation in the arms and forearms after photodepilation with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. METHOD: A 29-year-old Caucasian female (phototype III) with localized hypertrichosis in the upper limbs was submitted to long-pulsed alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal. One treatment session was done with these laser parameters: a pulse width of 2 ms, a spot of 7 mm, and fluence energy of 18 J/cm2. RESULTS: The patient developed long-lasting hypopigmentation (more than 6 months) in the arms and forearms after a single treatment session of photodepilation. CONCLUSION: Long-pulsed alexandrite laser may induce reversible melanocyte suppression and long-lasting hypopigmentation.