Not getting results from laser hair removal?

I just completed laser hair removal of my underarms, bikini, feet & toes. I am not an ideal candidate (I have light-olive colored skin and my hair is brown-light brown with some blonde hairs). I completed 8 sessions over more than a year (every 8 weeks). I am very pleased with the results. My underarms worked the best with only some thin, blonde hairs left. My bikini worked well with still some stray hairs left. My feet & toes did not work as well because there were more blonde hairs there, but none the less is still much thinner than it was. The technician used more than one type of laser on me but I do not know what they were. The reality here is that laser hair removal is not a miracle. Since hair grows in cycles it is actually impossible to remove all the hairs with just one session - even with an ideal candidate. You have to have realistic expectations, and a good professional should share that with you up front. Anyone who gives you guarantees of permanent hair loss is suspect. I did a lot of research before I made my decision to move forward and on who I would use. I made appointments for three consultations. The person I eventually choose was by far more expensive, but I was also by far more comfortable with her expertise as well as more comfortable with the fact that she used more than one machine (in other words, she wasn't trying to sell me on just one machine because that's all she had). Laser hair removal does not come without risks, I've read horror stories of botched work - and that readers, CAN be permanent. Make sure you choose a reputable technician and be willing to pay the price. And one last thing, anyone who tells you that laser hair removal is not painful is an outright liar. I had some sessions where tears just came running out of my eyes (underarms is where it really hurt the most). I took two different types of over the counter pain relievers prior to each session and also used a topical anesthetic. The pain goes away quickly, but trust me, it hurts. I waxed for years and the pain of waxing is nothing compared to this pain. But now that I'm done its all worth it. I would do it all again without a doubt.

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hello everybody In the beginning sorry becouse of my english. this is not my mother tounge. i did in my country 10 face hair removal. first 5 in 2003-2004 than i had a break (pregnency etc) and i start with it again in 2007. generaly iam satisfied but not fully. i would say that 40 % left. my problem is that i have PCO + hirsutism. (my hormonal levels are ok) what i would suggest if one of you girls have to much unwanted her check yourself if its not policystic ovary. hormonal sickness wchih couses non stop growing hairs. whats more for the moment iam using epilar and i dont see really big effect. good luck

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I wax for a leaving, and does anyone use a wax for epilar that works without breaking the hair. I have tried everything it seems. I don't know if it is epilar that isn't working or me.

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Before you get any laser treatment done, get a consultation from a licensed dermatologist/doctor to see which kind of laser and setting would be best for your skin type and hair type. Typically, the diode laser (when used by an experienced professional) delivers the most effective results. Diode penetrates deeper than Alexandrite or Ruby lasers. The Alexandrite and Ruby lasers should only be used on very fair skin. This isn't just for safety reasons but also for efficacy. Nd:YAG goes deeper supposedly, but it is better suited for olive-brown or black skin. Also it's not just the laser but the spot size and energy setting (joules) which matter. Make sure with all of these and discuss with your practictioner. Ask them if they've used these settings (the ones they plan to use) on others with your skin tone/type, and hair type, and what were the LONG-TERM results. Be totally clear before getting involved.

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"halfasian09" had good feedback. However, I would like to suggest that an initial consultation could be done by anyone that is knowledgeable with lasers such as an RN or medical consultant. Many assume that only an MD can provide the best information or care. However, it is training not title that makes a world of difference. Also, most physicians will charge for their time to do a consultation when, in the majority of cases, they aren't the ones delivering the care each and every time. It would be more worthwile to ask who is doing the treatment, their training, and which technology they would choose and why. Patients should not have to choose between efficacy and safety. Technology has advanced far enough wherein all skin types may be treated for hair removal if the correct technology is used combined with a trained, licensed, medical professional. I would encourage consumers to not make shopping for the cheapest price for hair removal their top priority. All too often, we receive calls wanting us to compete with the $99 hair removal special down the street. Very little consumers see value in doing a little bit of research and wanting to know more about their treatments than cost only. Be proactive in being an educated, responsible consumer. BTW, many of the adverse events we encounter or hear about caused by other facilities involved a doctor administering the treatment. This does not imply that only RN's should be rendering treatements; however, it gives a more balanced view of why training, not title, is more important. Let's not forget that pulse width is far more important than spot size. It may be a little misdirected to expect the average consumer to understand laser physics - leave that to a practitioner that is experienced and well-trained. Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer www.celibre.com

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Thank you for clarifying, Ms. Haney... yes, I agree the importance is definitely on someone who is licensed/certified in understanding lasers, not just doctors. Thanks again for the info and clarification!

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I have had Hair laser removal done three years ago at SKIN laser, UK, same time as my sister. I suffer from PCOS and my sister doesnt. We had 8 treatments each, I had bikini, underarm and full face and neck done i suffered terribly for few days after with inflammation of skin. I was told it was normal. After 6 months the hair growth started to appear but this time i suffered alot of ingrowing hair leaving acne marks and the hari growth was faster and thicker and especially my neck where the hair was once very light to non now appears i have a beard line inder my chin. The best result was on bikini and underam. This was extremely distressing. My sister also had the same result, we now use threading and epilator to get rid, but the hair growth seems faster than before. Contacted SKIN hair laser clinic and had a few meetings they blamed it on hormonal change, which was not a good enough explanation, and advised to go through some more treatments. i already explained to them at the outset that i suffered from PCOS. My sister and i Have lost faith in getting laser again, even though there are new laser products. If i knew it would make my problem worse i deffinately would not get this treatment done. Lucky for those that it worked for.

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