How many more Laser Hair Removal sessions?

Question

I had 8 LHR sessions in the Brazilian. I notice improvements yet now that I stopped the area is not growing back full-force but is very distributed just thinner hair. Expected almost everything to be gone, is this right? I assumed 8 sessions would be enough. How many more sessions do I need based on what I’m describing? do I need another type of laser or something? Laser used: Easylase 808 is a diode laser system. My complexion: Light skin with dark hair in that area. Spaced sessions: 4 weeks.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without an in-person evaluation. It takes a series of treatments with laser hair removal and some people need treatments to maintain. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It is up to each individual to decide when they are done or satisfied.  The goal in our office is reduce the hair growth by 90-95%.  While we don't know the device was used on you, I do feel like you were probably treated too frequently.  We normally recommend LHR treatments below under arms at every 6-8 weeks.  At any point in time, only about 20% of your hair is actively growing.  LHR only works on hair in the active growth phase.  The laser energy follows the hair shaft down into the follicle, heats it where it will not produce another hair.  The treated hair shaft will release and fall out over the next 1 to 3 weeks.  Your dormant hair follicles eventually turn back on and need to be treated.  In order to get the most for your money, we encourage our patients to wait until they have almost a full growth of hair again in the treated area before we have them return.  For Brazilian, the average wait time is 6 to 8 weeks.  Best of luck.

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to estimate how many treatments and individual will need for complete hair removal.  As the hair becomes more fine, when I use the Nd:YAG or Alexandrite laser, I reduce the pulse width time to fine tune the treatment. An experience provider should be able to optimize the settings of a machine to the patient.

Laurene DiPasquale, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine exactly how many treatments you would need, expecially without an in person evaluation.  You have the perfect combination for hair removal, light skin and dark hair.  I have many patients that require more than 8 treatments to be happy.  I would consider using a different laser for additional treatments.  Good Luck, Dr. DiPasquale

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal is great at reducing the amount of hair quickly and with no downtime. However, it is not a cure. Some individuals and areas are more resistant to laser hair removal. Additional laser passes or a different system may give you better results. Electrolysis is the other option for permanent hair removal. I hope this help. All the best, Dr. Michon

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Your description of light skin and dark hair is one of being an ideal candidate. On you we can use a lot of energy your skin doesn't absorb, but your hair will. Thus, you should have had a great result.
I'm confident you should have experienced scant to no hair by this time. Something is not right. I suggest you seek a different provider. 
Hair grows in cycles. Its active, dormant or going into or out of one or the other states. The average time between cycles is 6 weeks. Therefore, plan your treatment every 6 weeks or so. 
My favorite device is the Cynosure Vectus system. Stay on the cycles. Not doing so and you may as well start a whole new cycle again or forever be doomed to touch ups. 
Best wishes finding a solid solution.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

How many more Laser Hair Removal sessions?

Answers (6)

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