IPL facial hair removal and unwanted hair loss on scalp?

Question

I've been undergoing IPL hair removal on my face for about 18 months (treatments are about every 4-6 weeks) and I have noticed the hair on my head thinning for the past year. Researching side effect of Minoxidil (Rogaine) I found that some people suffer from unwanted hair on their arms, chest, and face. I guess my question is, if Minoxidil stimulates unwanted hair growth on untreated parts of your body, can IPL treatment trigger hair loss on untreated areas? Are hair follicles somehow related?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a theoretical risk, but the risk is still quite low. If you think your hair is thinning, speak to a knowledgeable dermatologist about solutions. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thinning Hair -- Rogaine, Propecia, Viviscal, Progesterone, PRPIf you have thinning hair you really need an evaluation to see if it is genetic or from another cause like stress or autoimmune.  If it is determined to be genetic there are many options and traditional treatments like rogaine foam and propecia pills can be used.  I have great success in my practice using injectable progesterone and prp to the scalp.  Postmenopausal women also benefit from spironolactone.  I suggest seeing a dermatologist with expertise in hair loss.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello RY.  Not to worry, laser hair removal does not cause hair loss on untreated areas.  The reason is that the energy associated with treatment is only absorbed locally and is not transmitted to other areas of the body.On a side note, permanent laser hair removal should be delivered in 6-8 visits for 75% - 95% of the hair you had.  IPL is not a laser and thus does not work well for permanent hair removal.  Depending on your skin type, you would use a Diode, Alexandrite or Yag laser for permanent hair removal.  Treatments are typically 6-8 weeks apart and the results can be seen in the before and after pictures at the link below.

IPL facial hair removal and unwanted hair loss on scalp?

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IPL facial hair removal and unwanted hair loss on scalp?

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