Keywords
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Pediatrics
Adolescent
Hirsutism
Hypertrichosis
Bullying
How to Cite
Abstract
Objectives: to analyze the available evidence regarding the indications, contraindications, technology, safety, and efficacy of laser photoepilation and intense pulsed light (IPL) in children and adolescents.
Methodology: a narrative literature review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar using the search terms: “pediatric laser hair removal”, “children photoepilation”, “adolescent IPL”, and “fotodepilación pediátrica”, without language restrictions, up to December 2025. Clinical trials, cohort studies, case series, systematic reviews and consensus guidelines were included.
Results: photoepilation in children and adolescents is a safe procedure when performed by trained medica professionals. Al though the evidence is limited to cohort studies and case series comprising a total of 71 patients in the most recent systematic review, it shows satisfactory hair reduction with mostly transient adverse effects. Evaluated devices include ruby laser (694 nm), alexandrite (755 nm), diode (800–900 nm), long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm), and intense pulsed light. Primary indications include hypertrichosis, hirsutism, hair hamartomas, recurrent pilonidal sinus disease, and gender-affirming care. The safety profile is comparable across devices. Severe complications are rare and include burns, dyschromia, and paradoxical hypertrichosis (estimated prevalence: 3%).
Conclusions: photoepilation represents a medical intervention that should be performed exclusively by trained professionals, using parameters tailored to the specific characteristics of pediatric skin. Larger comparative studies with bigger sample sizes are required to establish standardized protocols in this population.
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