Successful Nd:YAG Laser Therapy for Hair Removal in the Oral Cavity after Plastic Reconstruction Using Hairy Donor Sites

Background: Concepts of reconstruction of intraoral structures may often include the transfer of flaps composed of external skin with hairs. Given that intraoral hair growth following myocutaneous flaps can cause discomfort, there is a need for effective treatments to relieve cancer patients of these symptoms. Objective: To describe the successful epilation of hairy intraoral flaps using Nd:YAG laser emitting a wavelength of 1,064 nm. Methods: We performed an interdisciplinary prospective clinical study with 9 patients suffering from intraoral hair growth after plastic reconstruction of a hairy donor site due to cancer. Eight male and one female patients were treated with 1-4 sessions of Nd:YAG laser at 5-15-week intervals. Results: Laser treatment resulted in effective hair reduction in 8/9 patients regardless of flap type. In 5/9 patients a hair clearance of > 90% could be achieved, whereas laser treatment was ineffective in one male with white hair. Patients were very satisfied with the outcome and no side effects could be observed. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser therapy appears to be a successful therapeutic option for patients suffering from growth of dark hair in the oral cavity after plastic reconstruction using a hairy donor site. (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel