Clinical Application of Intense Pulsed Laser Depilation Technology on Autologous Reconstructed Auricle by Tissue Expander Procedures

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and appropriate implementation method of intense pulsed laser depilation treatment in microtia reconstruction by tissue expander procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 218 patients (comprising 238 ears) who underwent ear reconstruction by the tissue expander method, accompanied by at least 1 intense pulsed light depilation treatment session during the expansion period. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, depending on whether the last laser hair removal treatment was completed before or after the 48 hours before the second stage of surgery by the tissue expander method. Demographics, surgery-related information, and laser treatment-related information were evaluated, as was the efficacy of laser hair removal and related complications. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the 2 cohorts in the number of hair removal treatments, with 2.26 times in the short interval cohort compared with 2.06 times in the long interval cohort (P<0.05). There were no differences in the initiation time, interval time between laser treatments, and supplementary treatment. The short interval cohort showed better efficiency with 10.40 scores, while the 9.85 scores were obtained in the long interval cohort (P<0.05). Reducing the preoperative time interval to 1 day (24 h) does not appear to impact outcomes. All patients and families were satisfied with the outcome of auricular reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Intense pulsed laser depilation during the expanding period is a safe and effective treatment for reducing hair growth following tissue expander microtia reconstruction, improving cosmetic appearance. Receiving IPL depilation treatment in a short time interval of 24 hours before surgery will not increase the incidence of complications.