Laser hair removal - How long does it take to see full results for ethnic skin types?

These are good concerns and questions as numerous treatments may become quite expensive.  The most encouraging part of your experience is that you acknowledge receiving dramatic improvement over the span of 15 treatments.  This would then indicate that you are not considered a "non-responder" inasmuch as in our experience/research, approximately 5% of patients fall into this category with your ethnicity being the majority in this group.  With that said, there are few points to consider:

1.  Timing between the treatments is an important factor in keeping in sync with the hair growth cycle.  Missed appointments or an incorrect treatment plan may affect this - affecting results.

2.  What were the expectation given to you?  Most patients achieve a 70% overall hair reduction and are satisfied with this outcome.  For those that want to continue in hopes of achieving improved results will do so.  You may have reach a point wherein optimal results have been achieved. 

3.  Most of our patients reach their goals between 6-8 treatments, some 10.  15 treatments is a lot but much has to do with hormones as well.  If you are female, have you considered having a hormonal evaluation done by your MD?

4.  Have you discussed the scabs with your practitioner?  This seems to represent too aggressive of a treatment which increases the risk of hyperpigmentation for your skin type. 

5.  Make certain that you are not performing any other type of hair removal method between treatments other than shaving/clipping as this will hinder results.

6.  The fact that the hair is now much finer represents more of a challenge in finding the correct settings to continue to render effective yet safe treatments.  Finding a balance between efficacy and safety is a must.

7.  If you still find value and gradual but progressive progress in your treatments, then continue.  It is more important what you think of your progress than anyone else.    If you reach a point wherein you are not progressing or are not satisfied - then it is time to stop treatments.

L. Haney, RN 

www.celibre.com