IPL and patchy facial hair regrowth.

Question

Sorry to bother but I had a single IPL session in Bali for sun damage and I now have bare 'bands' where my beard used to be. I didn't expect or want this (they said it won't damage the hair). I found that the IPL was great for skin redness (I'm a fair skinned fellow with sun damage) and am keen to continue. I won't continue the IPL treatment if it means there's a risk I'll permanately loose facial hair. Any suggestions?

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

IPL has been used for hair removal and it can damage follicles, leading to permanent hair loss.  I suggest you find an alternative treatment if you are concerned.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL can damage hair follicles. I suggest going to a better laser physician in the future.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, and I think with the answers already give, you have your answer.  I actually did all the FDA clinical work way back when for the use of IPL for hair removal. This was over 20 years ago and IPLs for hair removal have been, and are still used by many people all over the world for hair reduction. So the person that told you this would not affect your beard area was not very informed or knowledgeable in the technology, which brings up another point as to why do a cosmetic procedure far from home without being totally sure that the person doing the procedure, or the device itself, is something that won’t get you in trouble, and that you would need to have corrected or fixed once back at home.  We always recommend that one seek the skills of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for their cosmetic needs – they know the most, they understand the skin and its anatomy, and they can work with you to determine the best treatments for you that will maximize the results while minimizing any untoward results.  That is what you need to do here, and figure the best laser that can be used to fix your concerns and in this case leave the hair alone.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

No one should have told you that IPL would not damage hair follicles. While the settings used were different IPL was used previously for permanent hair removal. While this is not what your settings would have been set at for sun damage, there is still a good chance of damaging hair follicles and rendering it impossible for them to regrow hair. If you wish to continue growing a beard, mustache, etc. these areas should not be treated with IPL and you can expect patchiness. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

IPL and patchy facial hair regrowth.

Answers (4)

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