Hair de-pigmentation from Picosure Focus?

Question

I had a session of Picosure Focus for acne scarring approximately one week ago. Some of my facial hair has turned white and is no longer growing. Is this a common side effect from this laser, and is it permanent? If it's temporary, how long will it be before the hair returns to normal?

Raminder Saluja, MD · Answer

Hello,
Picosure Focus Lens utilized the 755nm wavelength that targets melanin.  It is very common to see the dark hair turn white as one is lasering.  It basically strips the melanin from the hair.  The good news is that it is only the surface hair and does not damage the hair bulb where the stem cells for hair growth are located.  The reason is that it is picopulsed and not like the 755 nm long pulsed wavelengths that are specifically used to target hair bulb stem cells which effect hair growth.
I often show patients this on their arm hair and goes to show what an effective, melanin targeting laser it is.  So not to worry, while the hair has either burnt off or turned white...it grows back with its normal pigmentation.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  After 2.5 year of experience with the PicoSure, we usually don't see hair being de-pigmented with the FOCUS lens.  We do occasionally see it during tattoo removal on eye brows.  In every case, it has only been temporary.  The PicoSure's 755 nm wavelength isn't correct for hair removal.  If any hair was burned off, that will only be temporary as well.  Best of luck.

Hair de-pigmentation from Picosure Focus?

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Hair de-pigmentation from Picosure Focus?

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Everything you need to know about PicoSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.