I've had 9 sessions of diode laser hair removal on my pubic hair, why does the hair keep growing back?

Question

Over 2 years ago now I had a consultation for full bikini diode laser hair removal. I was told that I would need 8 sessions to completely remove the hair and I must have 1 session every 3 months. After my 8th session the hair is STILL growing back after a month or two after a treatment (it usually falls out and doesn't grow back for a while with some patches of hair). I was then told that I should buy another 4 sessions but after my 9th session the hair is still growing back. What do I do?!

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

The treatments may not be strong enough.  I suggest you have your treatments with a Dermatoligist rather than at a spa.  We sell 6 session packages and that covers most people.   Occasionally some one needs an extra treatment or two. As the hair gets thinner the laser needs to be set higher to treat the finer hairs that result from treatment.

Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD, FACOG · Answer

It is important to note that this treatment should be referred to as permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal and outcomes vary from patient to patient. There are numerous things to consider in the consultation process, for instance what color is the hair being treated (most lasers will not treat white, blonde or grey hair and reds might not be as effective) what is your skin type, etc. to determine which laser is best suited to treat each patient. In a series of 6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart (this is the recommended treatment spacing for your area of concern) you can typically expect an 80% reduction. Again, please keep in mind that each person responds differently and may need more or less than six treatments.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It sounds like your provider has no idea how LHR works.  The gap between treatments should be whenever you need to shave regularly.  You have probably been waiting too long at 3 months between treatments and not getting all of the hair that is actively growing.LHR treatments deliver a burst of energy to the hair follicles that are actively growing.  The energy destroys these follicles ability to produce another hair.  The hair shafts in those follicles will release and fall out over the next 1-3 weeks.  Other dormant hair follicles start producing hair every day.  It takes a series of at least 6 treatments to get most the hair growth.  In order to avoid surface burns, we have our patients shave before LHR treatments.  You must not wax or pluck during LHR treatments.  You can shave at any time you wish between treatments.  Best of luck.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

This treatment reduces the hair and the treated areas will not be totally gone. Treatments initially should be spaced closer together every 5-6 weeks versus 3 months. Most patients will have patches and that's a normal outcome.

I've had 9 sessions of diode laser hair removal on my pubic hair, why does the hair keep growing back?

Answers (4)

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