Abstract: Objective To study the safety and efficacy of laser hair removal during expansion of the expanded perforator scalp flap. Methods From January 2014 to April 2015, 22 patients received expanded scalp flap preparation for reconstruction of facial soft tissue deformation were included. Diode laser therapy was used to remove hair during tissue expansion period. Results All patients completed the multiple-stage treatment:expander implantation-saline injection-laser hair removal-flap translocation. All flaps were survived after flap translocation. No thick hair was observed in 19 patients, small area of hair remaining was observed in 2 patients, and psilosis at hair edge was observed in 1 patient. Transient blister was observed in one patient after laser hair removal, which subsided without treatment. No long-term adverse events were observed. Conclusion Laser hair removal technique can be safely and effectively used for the preparation of expanded scalp flap. Improvements of facial appearance and satisfaction can be achieved.

Key words: Laser hair removal, Tissue expander, Perforator flap, Diode laser