Fanny Louton, MD (in memoriam)

I have been offering laser hair removal since 1997 In two  separate offices. I have used multiple platform through the years and always returned to the LightSheer for best results adjustable to multiple hair types and skin color. The answer to your question is that hair removal is not painless. While we try to minimize the discomfort, the act of truly burning the hair has different levels of pain associated with it. We will try to decrease the energy in darker skinned individuals or in denser hair areas in order to protect the skin from also burning but if turned too low thereby giving no sensation to the patient means that the hair has not burned effectively or that the hair is too light in color to absorb any energy. Make sure to have a thorough consultation with a medical provider to determine the pros and cons in your particular situation. Don’t rush with your decision or jump at the cheapest price. Hope this helps. 

Fanny Louton MD MPH

I have treating patient for hair removal with both lasers and IPL since 1997. There are multiple variables that can effect how you heal including things you may be doing to "help" which can be detrimental.  It is ALWAYS best to call or visit your provider (who has all your information) to explain your concerns.  Sooner is better than later to head off any problems, especially when we are talking about your face.  Love Real Self but when it comes to follow up care, only your provider can give you the care you deserve. 

You did not mention whether the chemical peel was performed at home or at a medical facility.  Regardless, you need to follow up with your doctor/dermatologist.  Someone of your skin tone needs to be very careful with any type of chemical peels as they may not only burn your skin but leave areas of hyper and hypo pigmentation that may or may not be correctable.  It is imperative that you protect yourself from the sun and that you contact your doctor asap.  He/she will help guide you with a healing regimen and thereby minimize any potential problem.  Do not try "home remedies", please call your doctor today.   

The best way to remove remaining hair after laser hair removal treatments have been terminated is shaving. However, if dark hair continues to return in the areas you had treated and the amount of reduction is not to your satisfaction, you may not have had enough treatments for your best results.  I suggest discussing this with your doctor.

In order to answer this question, it would be useful to know the brand or "type" of laser that was used for your treatments.  I am not aware of an "INOVA" laser, only an INOVA Med Spa and this gives no clue as to the type of machine that was used.  Assuming that you were treated appropriately and with an actual laser for hair removal, it is possible that you always had a mix of dark and lighter hair on your arms and legs.  After 3 treatments, the majority of the dark hairs are gone or have yet to regrow as the remaining dark hairs are still in the dormant phase.  Also if each individual hairs have been made thinner, they may appear lighter as they grow back.  I would wait at least 3 months for your next treatment and during that time you will be able to see how much hair grows or returns and the actual color of the hair before you commit to your next appointment. I recommend discussing your concerns with your physician in order to gather all your information and make an informed decision.