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How to Get Permanent Hair Removal? Laser?

Is laser the best way to get permanent hair removel? Is there a better laser than others, technique, or other?

Sort 13 expert answers by:
+1

Permanent Laser Hair Removal

It is true that laser hair removal is really laser hair reduction. The reason is that laser hair removal does not work for very fine hair with very little color. On the other hand, hair with color and some coarseness is well suited for permanent removal. The way to ensure proper permanent removal of this hair is to make sure that the laser chosen is well suited to your skin type. Diode and alexandrite lasers are the best options for lighter skin types and long pulse Nd:Yg (yag) lasers are... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Laser hair removal is really "permanent reduction"

Effective laser hair "removal" is really just very effective reduction of hair growth, thickness, and density. Even the best treatment may require a touchup or maintenance treatment after a long while (maybe a year or longer). Electrolysis is true permanent removal, but also comes with its own cost, discomfort, time investment, and many repeat visits necessary.
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Choose the Lightsheer laser for permanent results

Make sure that you choose a laser, not IPL hair removal device. You need to follow a treatment protocol and have the appointments done on time, every 6-8 weeks. You cannot wax or tweeze in between the treatments, you can only shave. Try to keep your skin as light as possible by avoiding tanning and using sun protection. The Lightsheer laser will be a safe choice because it works for all skin types and dark hair.
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Most hair can be reduced 80-90% after 4-6 sessions.

There is no laser equipment that is FDA approved for permanent hair removal. Rather, lasers for hair removal are approved for permanent hair reduction. When done appropriately by the trained laser expert using the correct laser device on the appropriate candidate, most hair can be reduced by 80-90% after a series of 4-6 sessions. The laser can only disable hairs that are in the active growth stage, and not in any other hair growth cycle. It may take more treatments on coarse hairs,... more
Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD
San Francisco Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal is not permanent

Laser Hair Removal, technically, is not permanent.  The hair follicles that have been treated by laser can be completely destroyed such that hair does not ever grow back BUT, the true question is, can you create more hair follicles?  And yes, you can.  Therefore, in the future, after successfully completing laser hair removal, you can still grow hairs from NEW follicles that were not present during your laser hair treatments.  Hope that helps! Sincerely... more
Amir Moradi, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal is

Laser hair removal is a proven method to permanently decrease the amount, thickness and speed of hair growth. After 6 - 8 treatment depending on the area, most clients will see only a few sparse hair growth that  barely can be felt with your finger.  One can never  be 100% sure that you will not get any regrowth since hormones can play a part for some client with medical concerns. Generally speaking clients are extremely happy with their results.
David A. F. Ellis, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal is desgned for permanent laser hair reduction.  To be satisfied with the procedure, this understanding is key.
Kris M. Reddy, MD
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal vs. laser hair reduction

As some of the other posts describe, the laser only affects a limited number of follicles at any given session. Some follicles are not in a state to be destroyed at any given session, and some follicles, by virtue of the fact that no matter how good the laser operator is, will be missed by the pattern of application. Also, some areas like the legs have fewer follicles in a vulnerable state than other areas, so more sesions may be necesary. It is best to think of laser hair removal as... more
Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction

First, let's understand a little about what happens: during laser hair removal, the laser acts by destroying the follicle that grows hair. Laser light is attracted to the dark pigment in hair and zeros in on the follicle, which is why laser hair removal works well on black or brown hair and not very well at all on light, blonde or gray hair. For good results, the follicle must be treated during the growth phase, which occurs every four to five weeks. Thus, in order to capture all of the... more
Deason Dunagan, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to make sure the laser hair removal is permanent

For proper removal of hair you need to make sure that the laser chosen is well suited for the procedure. Diode and alexandrite lasers are the best options for most patients. We do find many day spas offering hair removal using a IPL or intense pulse light. This does not lead to permanent reduction but instead temporary loss. So make sure the right laser is being used.
William J. Hedden, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal - Permanent Hair Reduction

It should really be called permanent hair reduction. Our hair grows in three cycles: growth phase, dormant phase, and fall out phase. So our hair is in all of these different phases at the time of treatment. With that being said, you want to make sure you choose the appropriate laser, no waxing/tweezing, no sun exposure to the area being treated, and follow the treatment schedule that is given to you. This will give you the best results. Also, hormonal changes could promote new hair growth.... more
Bruce Katz, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal can result in permanent hair reduction

Permant hair removal is not possible with any current laser hair removal systems at this time. Since hair is in three phases of growth, the laser hair removal only works on hair that is actively growing. Hair that is in the resting phase will not be affected by laser hair removal. Only follicles with actively growing hairs are effectively treated with the hair removal system and that is why multiple treatments are required. Any laser or IPL hair removal system has similar efficacies; some... more
Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal: Permanent Hair Removal for Unwanted Hair

The hair follicle cycles through three growth cycles. Your hair follicles may be in any of the three. Thus, hair that is not present now can grow in several months. Laser only treats actively growing hair. Further, hormonal changes in the future may make you develop thicker hair. Laser hair removal has the potential for permanent hair removal. However, you have to be cognizant of future hair development with time.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
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