Facial Hair Loss Permanent After IPL?

IPL has been used for hair removal and it can damage follicles, leading to hair loss. However, your hair may grow back as the weeks pass. 

Though IPL is commonly used for the treatment of brown and red discoloration on the face, it can also be used for hair removal/reduction. That being said, it is not unlikely to experience diminished hair growth in areas treated for red and brown spots.  This is definitely something we consider and discuss with our patients (especially men) before treating.  Three weeks is definitely too soon to say anything definitive..the hair may merely be 'stunted' for a short while (a number of weeks) and then slowly regrow, there may be an overall diminished growth (thinner, lighter hair and more sparse in its distribution)  If diminished hair growth on the face is of significant concern to you, I would consider exploring other laser options for the treatment of reds and browns that have less of a chance of effecting hair growth (Fraxel, Pulse Dye lasers, Nd:YAG)

 

Dr. Grant Stevens      

The IPL treatments are often used for hair removal purposes and this is a standard discussion I have with male and female patients undergoing IPL for redness or brown spots etc.  Most men dont mind the potential for hair loss since they would prefer not to shave and the women find this just to be a bonus for them.  In your case, the patchiness of your hair loss may not be acceptable to you.  You should discuss this with your treating doctor and see what can be done.  That being said, no hair removal lasers are truly permanent and hairs usually will grow back . It may take years, however, and they will likely be thinner and less dark if they do come back. For you to be able to grow a full beard may be unlikely.