Laser Hair Removal - Related FAQ's

Q: I had laser hair removal for the first time, last week, and don’t see any fewer hairs, why?

A: It takes multiple sessions of affecting the hair follicle with the laser energy in order to destroy it. Sometimes it takes more than several treatments to see a result.

Q: My aunt is taking chemotherapy but she had started on laser hair removal of her upper lip before her diagnosis was made. Should she continue with the laser hair removal during her chemotherapy?

A: She should check with her oncologist to make sure they approve such treatment. Granted, laser hair removal is very safe but there are always risks with any treatment including secondary infection, both bacterial and viral and should this happen, then the underlying immune system might not be able to defend against the skin infections while on chemotherapy and a greater extent of the complication can develop. If her hair thins during her chemotherapy, then the laser hair removal might not work as well. It might be more prudent for her to wait for all her chemotherapy to be completed and for her to regain her strength and then resume the laser hair removal treatments.

Q: Laser hair removal was done a week ago but I don’t see any difference. Did my treatment fail?

A: You can’t judge the treatment that soon. You will need a few monthly treatments before you start to see reduction in density. Be patient. Err on the side of caution. Aggressive settings could be damaging.

Q: I am a man and have very hairy legs. I want not to eliminate but reduce the hair density. Is this possible with laser hair removal?

A: Although it is possible that the doctor may be able to stop treatments before so many are done that you have almost total eradication. Unfortunately, there is no protocol that can guarantee the results you wish to obtain and you may in fact, have significant reduction of hair growth, too much and you may be unsatisfied.

Q: I had laser hair removal in a spa and I have dark skin. My upper lip is now lighter than the rest of my face. Is this permanent?

A: You would have to be seen in person to be evaluated. Whereas hyperpigmentation can be stubborn, it often is temporary and resolves over a couple of years. Hypopigmentation is usually long term. Depigmentation is permanent but hypopigmentation (lessening, but not complete eradication of pigment cells) may clinically resolve. Sunblock is important so the hypopigmented area does not get exposed to skin cancer rays, and also, sunexposure may make the surrounding skin darker but the hypopigmented skin will not change and the contrast will look worse than before the sun exposure.

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