What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 1 session?

Question

I am undergoing laser treatment and completed my first session. I am not comfortable in continuing this. Could you please let me know what happens in this case. ? Will the hair overgrow ? Please answer! Thanks,

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser hair removal. After one laser hair removal treatment, you wont see much of an improvement. A series of six sessions are usually recommended to achieve desired results. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps!

Lillian Overman, MD · Answer

If you stop laser hair removal after one treatment, the hair will regrow. It will likely be less dense than before. How much less dense it will be depends on the area treated and the effectiveness of the laser. There is no need to worry about a rebound effect. 
I hope this puts your mind at ease.

Ramon Peleaux, DDS, MD · Answer

Since only active hair follicles are affected, only a fraction of the total hair follicles are destroyed during any one treatment.  Usually 5-8 treatments are necessary to achieve the desired result.  You will probably notice only minimal hair reduction after one treatment and it is very unlikely that overgrowth will occur.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question.  1 single treatment with laser will probably not effect the area much at all.  There is only about 20% of your total hair follicles in the growth cycle at any one time, therefore with one treatment, only about 20% at best, of the follicles in the area were effected.  It should not grow back spotty or patchy, may take a while to completely regrow, but reduction should have been minimal.

Laurene DiPasquale, MD · Answer

If you are not comfortable moving forward with your laser hair removal treatments, you can stop at any time.  Any follicles that were destroyed with your first treatment are gone but there are others that will become active over time.  You may see some thinner areas, but it should not be severe.  Of course, everybody reacts a little differently.  Regards, Dr. DiPasquale

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 1 session?

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What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 1 session?

Answers (6)

Answer: What happens to hair re-growth after 1 session?

Answer: What happens to hair re-growth after 1 session?

Answer: Stopping Laser Hair removal after 1 treatment

Answer: Stopping Laser Hair removal after 1 treatment

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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