Does Fraxel Repair Help or Permanently Remove Unwanted Facial Hair?

Question

I am considering Fraxel Repair for facial rejuvenation and wondering if the laser destroys unwanted hair in the upper lip and chin area...permanently? or not at all?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Fraxel Repair is a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser which targets water in the skin.  Hair removal lasers target the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the hair follicle.  Fraxel Repair can actually cut the hair but will not permanently remove hair.  Fraxel Repair is excellent for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, and skin tightening but cannot permanently remove hair.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Anon in Canada,
Fraxel repair does not affect unwanted (or wanted for that matter) facial hair.  There are different laser systems that will address unwanted facial hair.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Brian E. Dubow, MD · Answer

Fraxel is used for wrinkles, acne scarring and many other reasons, but removing hair is not one of them.  Sorry!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

In order for a laser to remove hair, it has to match up with the color wavelength of the pigment in the hair/hair follicle.  The CO2 laser's chromophore (what it's attracted to) is water.  So, you might have a very small amount of temporary hair loss with the laser but nothing long lasting.

Does Fraxel Repair Help or Permanently Remove Unwanted Facial Hair?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel Re:pair will not remove hair permanently

Answer: Fraxel Re:pair will not remove hair permanently

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Repair

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Does Fraxel Repair Help or Permanently Remove Unwanted Facial Hair?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel Re:pair will not remove hair permanently

Answer: Fraxel Re:pair will not remove hair permanently

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Repair

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