Will BroadBand Light for freckles affect hair follicles? Would Rogaine help with growth?

Question

I'm a man with dark hair and light skin, and I've had two BBL treatments on my forearms and chest. Both times to target freckles. My doctor told me hair loss wouldn’t be an issue because they use a different wavelength for hair removal. It’s been 2 months and very little of the hair has grown back How big of a risk is hair loss from BBL treatments (that are for pigment but not hair removal)? Would rogaine help spur hair regrowth in those areas?

Bernard Tan, MBBS, MRCSB · Answer

Hi there!
BBL does have the potential to damage the hair follicles in the treated area, although after 2 sessions it is unlikely to cause significant hair reduction. I do routinely advise my patients that there will be hair reduction in the treated area and I rarely treat over the beard unless the patient requests for it.
In your case, it is quite likely the hair will regrow soon although it may be a little thinner

Michael Contreras, MD · Answer

BBL includes wavelengths between 515nm - 1200nm for pigment and 590nm - 1200nm for hair removal. Given the significant overlap, there is potential for hair reduction when treating dark spots like freckles.  It is quite possible that you will regrow most of the affected hair because it takes at least 6 treatments for permanent reduction.  The affected hairs can take 2-3 months to reappear at near normal levels.  I always counsel male patients about this, particularly on the face when discussing treatment of the bearded areas.

Will BroadBand Light for freckles affect hair follicles? Would Rogaine help with growth?

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Will BroadBand Light for freckles affect hair follicles? Would Rogaine help with growth?

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Everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL)

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