Why is laser hair removal not working for me permanently?

Question

I have had laser hair removal for 3 years with over 30 treatments. the hair has reduced and slowed down in growth but after three or four months it comes back albeit it is patchy. I have used different types of lasers including. I am South Asian and all my friends. who have gotten it works and never grew back again. I'm so frustrated.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Pioneering.  Very sorry to hear about your experience and it must be frustrating.  The first question I would ask is if the hairs you are trying to remove contain color and some coarseness.  Peach fuzz, grey hair, light hair or extremely fine hair will not typically respond to laser hair removal.

If the hair you are trying to remove has some color and some coarseness then there is something else happening.  Let's talk about the technology.  If you are South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, etc.), we normally end up with the Lumenish Lightsheer, a diode laser.  Generally an Alexandrite laser is too risky for you and with a Yag (Nd:Yg) laser, you typically do not get rid of medium to fine colored hair.  So forget about the brand of the laser for a moment and find out if the practice is using a Diode (810 nanometer) laser.

The next question would be about practitioner experience.  If you are getting treatment from a practice or practitioner that is not experienced or is not using the right equipment, that would explain the problem.  Lasers cannot and do not think for themselves.  Using one is just like using any other piece of complicated machinery.  It requires knowledge and experience to operate well.

Hope this helps.

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi Pioneering288187

The effects of laser hair removal are permanent. Once the laser has destroyed the follicle it will not grow back. However, hormonal changes can cause new hairs to grow. For more information about this procedure, please visit our website.

Oakville Plastic Surgery &amp; Medspa · Answer

There are different factors to consider with your laser hair treatments. Hormones can affect hair growth and have an impact on how fast it grows back, new growth, ect. Laser Hair Removal is never permeant but it does reduce hair growth, slows down the re-growth cycle, and lightens and lessens the amount of hair over time. It also depends on the type of laser you were being treated with as there are many lasers on the market for hair removal some more effective than others and some lasers are more suitable for your skin type. I would suggest a package of 5-7 sessions per area and have a touch up once or twice a year. Hope this helps!

Bella Luna Aesthetic Center - Account Suspended · Answer

I am so sorry you are not getting the exact results you are wanting with laser hair removal. Unfortunately, the only approved way to permanently remove hair is electrolysis. Lasers can certainly reduce the number of hair follicles, and in some cases it never comes back, but usually yearly maintenance is going to be required.

Why is laser hair removal not working for me permanently?

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Answer: Laser Hair Removal not Permanent

Answer: Laser Hair Removal not Permanent

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Why is laser hair removal not working for me permanently?

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Answer: Laser Hair Removal not Permanent

Answer: Laser Hair Removal not Permanent

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