I got MORE facial hair after IPL treatment through the shaving, what can I do?

Question

I have light-medium skin, brown-dark brown hair and poly-cystic ovaries. I started IPL hair removal 2 years ago on my face. Since the fuzz on my cheeks was shaved off and treated, I have had strong hair growth there that doesn't want to subside. It is particularly bad at the corners of my jaw. I was told to shave in between treatments as needed. I think this makes it worse. Lately I have been using the Braun Lumea IPL. Please advise, thank you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You may opt to switch from the IPL to laser hair removal. Our office treats many patients with PCOS and excessive hair and hormonal treatment does help.Best,Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Eleni.  The problem is with the technology and/or the person doing the treatment.  Shaving does not cause hair growth so the other variables are the technology (IPL) which is not very effective at producing permanent hair loss and the person doing the treatment.  If you are light skinned with dark hair, then your best bet is to find a practice that uses a Diode (810) or Alexandrite (755) laser.  These are the two wavelengths that are most appropriate for your skin type and treatment.  Because IPL is not a laser, it is underpowered for delivering permanent hair removal.The other issue may be with the person doing the treatment.  If that person is not experienced or is not using the right technology, they may not be able to deliver permanent hair removal for you.  You should get a second opinion and look for a laser with either 755 or 810 nm wavelength.  Good luck.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

We offer the Vectus laser hair removal system in our offices. With the Vectus system, the Skintel® Melanin Reader offers aesthetic practitioners better treatment guidance and an added element of confidence in using the correct handpiece. The Vectus laser system uses diode technology for permanent hair reduction for a wide range of skin and hair types.

I got MORE facial hair after IPL treatment through the shaving, what can I do?

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I got MORE facial hair after IPL treatment through the shaving, what can I do?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.