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Can I get laser treatment for hair removal when I've already had IPL treatment at home before?

I have had IPL treatment at home before for hair removal, and it was effective to a great extent, but it only slowed down the growth of hair and decreased the number of hair follicles. It didn't permanently remove it. So, I was thinking of getting laser treatment. Is it safe to have laser treatment although I've used IPL before? And will it be less effective because of that?

Doctor Answers 3

July 13th, 2017

Can I do Laser hair reduction if I've already done IPL treatments in home?

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Hello, than you for your question. Laser hair reduction is definitely going to be much more successful than any at-home device on the market. Laser hair reduction is a series of treatments, usually 6-8 treatments done between 4-8 weeks apart depending on the area being treated.  The treatments that you have done in-home should not effect the success of the laser. Laser hair reduction is not 100% for ever and ever, it may require occasional touch ups throughout the year. I would recommend that you seek a board certified dermatologist for safest/effective treatments.

Good Luck!

Mark A. Blair, MD


Phoenix Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

July 13th, 2017

Laser Hair Removal

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There is no reason not to do laser hair removal if you have had IPL in the past. Make sure your practioner knows about the timing of past treatment. Decreased numbers of hair follicles is the actual goal, and is a permanent result of both IPL and Laser

Learn more: http://njveincare.com/laser-hair-removal.html

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS
Clifton Vascular Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

July 31st, 2017

Laser Hair Removal After IPL Treatment

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Good afternoon,

It is perfectly safe to have a laser hair removal treatment after already having used an IPL regimen. If anything, the IPL may help the effectiveness of the laser hair removal procedure.

Have a nice day.

Norman M. Rowe, MD

Norman M. Rowe, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 62 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.