I have had four treatments of laser on my upper lip and chin. I am concerned it is not working.

Hello,The average female patient meets their hair removal goals in 6 to 8 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart when treating areas of the face.  Regardless of hormonal influences, this # of treatments and expectations has worked well in our practice.  What you are describing seems to indicate a problem with one performing the treatments.  Technology  matters; however, the way in which the doctor/nurse uses the technology is vital in producing a safe and effective treatment.  In our practice, patients generally have achieved approx. 70% hair reduction with 3-4 treatments.  Although laser hair removal is the most common cosmetic laser service, finding a good practitioner is not as common.  The expectations that you were told, in addition to your lack of progress, does not speak to a good treatment outcome.  Please see below link for more information on the process of hair removal, technology, and expectations.

The amount of sessions needed can be variable for improvement with laser hair removal and some people need treatments to maintain results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thanks for your question.  You service provider obviously did not give you post-care instructions.  First, it will take a series of treatments to reduce your hair production.  LHR treatments deliver a burst of energy to the hair follicles that are actively growing.  The energy destroys these follicles ability to produce another hair.  The hair shafts in those follicles will release and fall out over the next 1-3 weeks.  Other dormant hair follicles start producing hair every day.  It takes a series of at least 6 treatments to get most the hair growth.  Generally speaking, you should look for a facility where they have a doctor on staff and is usually there to answer questions.  Find out what type of machine (laser vs. IPL) they will be using.  A properly calibrated laser is usually much more comfortable than an IPL.  Using the correct settings for your skin type also makes it more comfortable.  Sorry to say, probably the most expensive treatment is probably the best.Best of luck.

These areas are difficult to treat if the hair is very fine, or is light colored or red. The best results are seen with thick, dark hair. If the hairs are thin, you will have minimal results. If there are only a few hairs, electrolysis would be an option. The hair needs to be shaved the morning of the procedure so that the laser can treat the deeper hairs. All laser hair removal is not the same as well. Different types of lasers and the settings used, all contribute to the success of therapy.

Thank you for your question.  I don't know what type of machine you are being treated with or what skin type you have or the color of your hair.  Machines are not all alike.  I would expect that you would see at least some thinning of the hair after 4 treatments with a Laser that is meant for hair removal and you have dark hair.  If your laser specialist is in a salon, the machine may be much different than what we use in doctors offices.  Regardless of the machine, there can be hair growth after a week.  I do allow my patients to shave after a treatment, assuming there isn't irritation from the treatment.  Although the hairs may fall out on their own, I need to keep my patients comfortable on a day to day bases.  Shaving doesn't alter the outcome of the treatments.  Please make sure your laser specialist is a physician with ample experience in hair removal.  Good Luck!  Dr. DiPasquale