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

Abstract

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.

The submental island flap for the treatment of intraoral tumor-related defects: No effect on recurrence rates

“…Although secondary laser epilation was successful to some degree, the necessary effort is remarkable and the success of epilation is only temporary, especially in patients with gray or fair hair color [22]. In order to eliminate this disadvantage of the SMI-flap we started to de-epithelialize the submental skin carefully after its elevation; this resulted in a thin and pliable transplant without any further hair growth.…”

A Protocol for Management of the Hairs Problem in Oral Cavity Reconstruction by Submental Flap

“…Two negative factors for laser application in this situation are the need for multiple appointments and the fact that Laser handpieces are too bulky for intraoral usage especially in patients with limitation in mouth opening [18]. Kaune et al [19] in six hairy submental flaps used for intraoral reconstruction without postoperative radiotherapy concluded that laser is the first line treatment. They used mean 3 number of sessions with one month interval, under general anesthesia.…”

Hair in the mouth: A rare presentation

“…[1] Hair growth in the transplanted site may be due to the dominant nature of the underlying skin. [2] A 40-year-old male came to the dermatology outpatient department with a complaint of excessive hair growth in the oral cavity 2 months after oral reconstructive surgery.…”

“…[3] In a study done on nine patients with intraoral hairy flap, long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment under general anesthesia resulted in effective hair reduction in eight out of nine patients regardless of flap type. [1] In five out of nine patients, a hair clearance of >90% could be achieved, whereas laser treatment was ineffective in one male with white hair. [1] Patients were very satisfied with the outcome, and the side effects observed in this study were mild and transient including slight swelling, postoperative pain, dysphagia, and postoperative difficulties in swallowing.…”

“…[1] In five out of nine patients, a hair clearance of >90% could be achieved, whereas laser treatment was ineffective in one male with white hair. [1] Patients were very satisfied with the outcome, and the side effects observed in this study were mild and transient including slight swelling, postoperative pain, dysphagia, and postoperative difficulties in swallowing. [1] Shim et al .…”