Can a Laser Stimulate Hair 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?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Fafar

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (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

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

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.

Hair Growth and Laser

Results vary from client to client. There are many different circumstances that can limit or change the results. (Hormonal, possible medications, underlining conditions) remember to be open with your provider to anything that may limit or change your results. The more your provider knows about you, the better they are equipped as to what direction to take in order for you to have the best results. That being said, a laser does do minimal exfoliation during the treatment which can... more

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

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Comments (2)

Soniak 27 Sep 2012

I made the mistake of going to 'american Laser' which is the supercuts of laser hair removal to get a brazilian laser. They used IPL on me and that caused hair growth on the thigh area right next to my bikini. plus it didn't get rid of the hair, just made it thin and patchy. so now i am bald in certain areas of my bikini line and have hair on my thighs