Laser injury to teeth with upper lip treatment? And not seeing results...

October 10, 2016
Asked By:ABT15

I am a 30-year-old female with PCOS.  I have had thick dark hair on my chin and jawline since I was 18, which I had been managing by extensive daily plucking and shaving.  I recently started laser hair removal on my chin/jaw and my upper lip, which cost a total of $600 for both areas to be treated once per month for 18 months.  I have had three sessions so far.  I have not seen any results yet, and the hair is not falling out, thinning, or growing any slower.  I should mention that the hair is dark and I have very light, pale skin.  Each session, the technician tells me she is turning up the power on the laser a little more because I am not not seeing results.  I was initially told to expect redness, burning, itching, and bumps following the treatments, which wold be a sign that they are working.  I have minor redness that lasts only ten minutes or so, and I have never felt any irritation afterwards at the treated sites - no itching, burning, or pain.  I do feel the painful "bursts" or "pops" when the laser actually passes over the skin, and I can smell burning hair.  My first question would be - do I need to press the technician for a higher laser setting or ask for more and/or longer passes over each area - or do I just need to give it more time?  Remember, this is not fine lady hair but thick, coarse, man-beard type hair.  My second question has to do with the last treatment I had - when the laser passed over my upper lip, I felt burning and pain in the roots of my front teeth.  Usually, I try to put my tongue over my teeth, but I didn't get a chance this time.  I still occasionally feel discomfort in my front teeth now, a week later.  Could this be a potential problem, and have I inadvertently injured or weakened the roots of my front teeth?

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
MOST RECENT
November 11, 2016

Answer: Getting the Results You Want

1 person found this helpful
Jason Emer, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Book a virtual consultation
MOST RECENT
November 11, 2016

Answer: Getting the Results You Want

1 person found this helpful
Jason Emer, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Book a virtual consultation
August 29, 2018

Answer: Since you did not specify the laser that has been used, it is hard to make any predictions.

August 29, 2018

Answer: Since you did not specify the laser that has been used, it is hard to make any predictions.

December 13, 2016

Answer: PCOS and laser hair removal

1 person found this helpful
December 13, 2016

Answer: PCOS and laser hair removal

1 person found this helpful
FIND THE RIGHT
TREATMENT FOR YOU

Recommended reading

Laser Hair Removal

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

  • 87% worth it
  • 506.0k reviews
  • Avg cost: $950
Learn More
ADVERTISEMENT
FIND THE RIGHT
TREATMENT FOR YOU
ADVERTISEMENT
November 11, 2016

Answer: Find an Experienced Provider with Good Equipment that is Regularly Calibrated

1 person found this helpful
November 11, 2016

Answer: Find an Experienced Provider with Good Equipment that is Regularly Calibrated

1 person found this helpful
November 11, 2016

Answer: Not seeing improvement with LHR

1 person found this helpful
Steven F. Weiner, MDBoard Certified Otolaryngologist
Book a consultation
November 11, 2016

Answer: Not seeing improvement with LHR

1 person found this helpful
Steven F. Weiner, MDBoard Certified Otolaryngologist
Book a consultation