The ideal range of laser hair removal for microtia patients undergoing two-stage ear reconstruction

Although the technologies for auricular reconstruction in microtia have improved, issues such as low hairlines or excessive hair growth can still pose aesthetic problems for the reconstructed ear. Laser depilation has been reported as a solution for hair problems. However, few studies have discussed the appropriate region for hair removal. A retrospective analysis was performed on 276 patients with unilateral microtia who underwent the Nagata two-stage ear reconstruction. The gender ratio of male to female was 2.5 (198 males/78 females). Intense pulsed light depilation was used to remove hair. To determine the proper hair removal area, we measured the extent of hair removal. Before the first stage, the average vertical distance between the upper point (after localization) and hairline was 3.42 +/- 4.75 mm (-10-20 mm). After the first stage, the average vertical distance between the upper point of the reconstructed ear and the hairline was 1.27 +/- 2.41 mm (-10-15 mm). By using chi-square test to assess differences in hair removal success rates among various regions, we aimed to identify the suitable depilation region. Before the first stage, a depilation vertical distance >= 10 mm led to a 92.1% success rate. After the first stage surgery, among the patients needing additional hair removal, a vertical depilation distance >= 4 mm resulted in an 81.3% success rate. Based on our observation, we suggested that a depilation region of >= 10 mm (before the first surgery) or >= 4 mm (after the first surgery) would be the ideal range for laser hair removal.