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Can a Laser Stimulate Hair Growth?

asked 3 years ago by Fafar
Latest answer by Peter Goldman, MD
Question viewed 15,349 times
Tags: grow back, growth

I have had laser hair removal with Lumenis Lightsheer for 6 sessions. I am not seeing any improvement after the 4th session. Actually, on the 4th session, when the doctor increased the setting, I noticed hair grow back more and darker. Should I continue the treatment? Or I should switch to another Laser or clinic?

3 answers to Can a Laser Stimulate Hair Growth?

+2

Low laser fluences (energy) may lead to hair growth

Current research indicates that using sub-optimal fluences (energies) for laser hair removal treatments is a leading cause for the stimulation of hair growth – not a desirable effect when trying to remove hair. One possibility why this may be more prevalent in darker skinned patients is because practitioners may be hesitant to use appropriate settings or do not have the correct technology (ex: long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser) for this group of patients. We believe that a practitioner... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Hair growth with Lightsheer

Well, it has been reported that some of the laser technologies used to remove hair, have indeed induced hair growth at lower settings. First of all, if you feel your condition is getting worst during this treatment regimen, then stop the regimen. Second, I would review the issue with your dermatologist, and make sure nothing else, like a hormonal imbalance, is being missed. Third, consider using another laser technology, like the Nd-YAG or Alexandrite.
Omeed Memar, MD, PhD

Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Hair removal takes time

First of all, I truly doubt that any laser used for hair removal could cause more hair regrowth, especially if a very good laser like the Lumenis Lightsheer is used. Patients are sometimes unclear that even with lasers, hair removal takes many sessions and a fair bit of time to see improvement. However, comopared to old-fashioned electrolysis, it is more than 100 times faster. Before switching to another physician or other laser treament center, I would speak to the doctor and ask... more
Peter Goldman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

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