IPL, more hair growth than before (Photo)

Hi Deepa. It sounds like you have more than one concern, but we will address the hair removal issue first.  Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not a laser and is not ideally suited for permanent hair removal.  Practices use it because it is a"jack of all trades". The problem is that it is also "master of none".  Meaning, it's very hard to get a high percentage of permanent hair removal with IPL, especially with your skin type.  If the hair is coarse and dark, we would use a long pulsed yag and if it's medium or light, we would use a diode laser.  Regarding the dark color on the upper lip, this is most likely related to the ovarian cysts, as Poly cystic ovarian syndrome often causes hormonal changes that lead to Melasma.  For this, we would recommend 8% hydroquinone.  To see examples of before and after photos of hair removal and melasma, click on the link below.  

Great question. Although IPL is used some places for laser hair removal but not Ideal. I recommend a formal consultation with practice that uses specific lasers like YAG or alexandrite for laser hair. Another important part is how to prep the hair follicle before treatment and then you will need few sessions to completely get rid of the unwanted hair and a touch up here and there.

Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best for hair removal. It will take a series of treatments and some people need treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

You have a very good question. Although laser hair removal is a great solution for a very large number of people, there is a small percentage of patients that will actually develop more hair growth after laser. These group of patients have darker skin tone. Your case might be one of them.
There is a medical condition called polycystic ovary syndrome that can manifest with excessive hair growth and tendency to have acne. This condition requires medical care since polycystic ovaries is often associated with tendency to develop diabetes and infertility. 
I hope my answer was helpful.

I'm
happy for you that your IPL is working for you with the pigmentation.
Though frustrating, the new hair is actually a good sign.
I
love IPL for its' regenerative effects. There is strong evidence IPL will
actually reset RNA and DNA of your cells to a more youthful state. As well, wavelengths
within the broad spectrum promote healing and better circulation.
In
your case, it obviously invigorated your hair follicles. Though a
little frustrating, it does offer further proof of the benefits of
IPL treatments. 
I
recommend you first finish your IPL therapies and then go from a broadband
light (IPL) to a laser or RF hair reduction treatment regimen.
IPL and lasers are different.
Hair
grows in cycles. Its' either 1) going into or out of hibernation, 2)
active, or 3) in hibernation. The target follicles can only be killed when your
hair follicles are active. For the average person, each cycle is about 6 weeks
apart. If timed perfectly you could theoretically kill all the follicles with
four sessions.
This
is seldom the case and therefore generally requires 6 sessions for optimum
results. Be sure to keep each session within 4 - 7 weeks of the last session or
you may as well start the cycle all over again or be doomed to one
touch up after another. 
Don't
fight mother nature or biology. Years ago I frequently had patients insisting to do
it their way. These are the patients that are doomed for one touch up
session after another. I don't take such patients any longer and generally
they come back to receive a proper course of treatments. Save money
and time by staying the course and you'll be happy. Go with 6 hair reduction sessions.
Don't
forget to keep your treated areas protected from the sun. When you must be in
the sun wear a good high SPF sunscreen that moisturizes well.
If
you would like to keep your youthful skin long after friends your age have
withered, redo your IPL every 4 - 5 months. You won’t regret it.
I
wish you all the best and a long life with youthful skin.
Warmly,
Arbella
Sarkis, MD     

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Based on your skin type, you should probably seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.Laser Hair Removal (LHR) requires a series of treatments.  With the most efficient and effective laser you would need 5-8 treatments to achieve 95% hair removal.  After 3 sessions, you MIGHT start seeing a reduction in hair growth with a good laser.  With an IPL-LHR and your skin type, you will probably need 10-12 treatments.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.

If you have PCOS, hair removal with either IPL or a laser is best. Sometimes hair growth is a continued nuance and you have not had enough hair removal sessions to reduce most of the unwanted growth. Hair grows in 3 states, Anagen (this is the stage the light is able to disable the hair follicle), Catagen and Telogen.  On the face Anagen is usually between 2-4 weeks of catching the hair attached to the follicle, give it time and maintenance will be necessary. Remember hair removal treatments are for the reduction of hair, not all the hair.