Laser Hair Removal - Minimal Results After First Session

Question

-i have had my first hair removal session 8 weeks ago -with ndyag laser. -i am skin type III - IV with dark hair -i saw remarkable results after one session in my legs -however, bikini and underarm i can tell there is 'almost' no difference. (although it is very black COARSE hair) -does this mean doctor needs to increase the intensity?? or it is unresponsive to the laser? or is it okay?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

The first treatment rarely produces a visible result. You will need multiple treatments to continue to attack the hair follicle.  Be patient.  Your provider can gently increase the treatment energies.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Normally, the results can be seen as from the 3rd session, but you
will not have 20% of hair reduction until the 6th session. You will
need to continue with your treatments and you will notice the results
gradually. Please continue to follow up with your physician. Best of Luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal results and the number of sessions vary from patient to patient. And because the hair “cycles” from growing to the resting phase, there are hairs in several phases each time you go for laser hair removal which is why it usually takes several sessions over a period of time to see the results you want. Having said this, there are times when one treatment is all that is needed – but this is not the norm. With the Nd: YAG that you are having done, most will need 4-6 treatments to get the results you want – that is, some may need fewer than this and some may need more – it is just the reality of laser hair removal – so make sure you are going to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has the most knowledge of this subject and get all your questions answered.

Choon Kia Yeo, MD · Answer

After the 3rd treatment you will start seeing reduction of hair, but you will not see a dramatic reduction of hair until the 6-8th treatment. You will know whether your treatment  is working before that when you see hair falling out approximately 1-2 weeks after the treatment and hair growing back thinner and slower.Please note that not all hair created equal, some are stronger and deeper and may need higher power so the laser may go deeper to destroy the deeper hair follicles. Honolulu MedSpa has different Laser Hair Removal lasers for treatment of resistant hair.We have done tens of thousands of laser hair removal cases and patients are very happy that they have beautiful smooth skin and don't have to shave or pluck as much therefore improving their quality of life.Technology is very important in Laser Hair Removal. We are introducing the new Soprano Ice which makes Laser Hair Removal even better, faster, and pain-free.Do consider Laser Hair Removal as this is the future, no more shaving just beautiful smooth skin, saving you time and money.But before you do that check out the center and make sure that they have the  best technology and it should not be painful. Ask for references and check out their social media.Dr. Yeo

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

It takes multiple sessions to get long term benefits from laser or IPL hair removal. Expect to do at least six session 3-4 weeks apart.

Madeline Krauss, MD · Answer

There are shorter and longer term benefits to laser hair removal.  The immediate results are a temporary injury to the hair follicle with dumping of the hair, with results that may feel like waxing.  This is not "permanent".  The short term benefit does not necessarily mean that a treatment will be successful toward permanent hair removal (nor does lack of immediate results mean you will not have long term results).  

	To see long term benefit, results can only be appreciated after at least 3 hair removal sessions.  Initially the hair that you see is in anagen (growth) phase.  The resting (telogen) hairs then grow and take the place of the hair that was just lasered.  These "new" hairs were never treated before, and they do not mean your initial treatment failed.  But they were resting, as 2/3rds of your hairs are in the legs, and now they are activated and ready to be treated.  To know what "permanent" results you have takes 6 months AFTER your las LHR treatment.  Then you will have a very good idea what is left.  Best results are seen with at least 5 sessions 3-6 weeks apart, before you take that 6 month break to assess results.

	Hope that helps!
	 

	Madeline Krauss, M.D.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Permanent and complete hair removal is not likely but with multiple treatments significant long-term reduction can be achieved. In general, two or more treatments are required at each site. The laser is only effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat those follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. Optimal long-term benefits depend on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density, and your hair’s growth cycle. Darker hair responds best to the laser, while lighter hair is less responsive.

Laser Hair Removal - Minimal Results After First Session

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