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IPL for acne - effect on beard?

I Got ipl done for Acne on my earlier today, without knowing a lot about it. I know I should have researched a bit more. I'm 21 years old and don't have a full beard at all, but I have some very light hairs on my chin and upper lip. Will I ever be able to grow a beard now?

Doctor Answers 4

IPL and facial hair

November 16th, 2016
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Hi there, thanks for your question. IPL can indeed reduce facial hair. Typically, if men do not want any hair loss, I would just do IPL over the non-bearded areas of the face only. However, you mention that your hairs are light. Did you mean light-colored (or "light" as in, "thin")? If you have red, blond or very light brown hair, there may not be much of a hair loss effect, as the IPL requires pigment in order to damage the hair follicle. Hope that helps.

David W. Kim, MD


Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

IPL and facial hair

November 10th, 2016
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IPL is known to remove hair.  In fact, it was one of the earliest treatments for hair removal.

We tend to discuss this with men receiving IPL treatments on the face so they are aware of this possibility.  Usually we tend to use alternative treatments on men for this very reason.

Reza Tirgari, MD

Reza Tirgari, MD
San Diego Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

IPL beard area

November 3rd, 2016
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it is always possible to get patchy hair loss on beard area with IPL as it is a broad light that targets many different things including hair. This is possible after a single treatment.  Men should be made aware of this prior to treatment. 

Roni Munk, MD

Roni Munk, MD
Montreal Dermatologic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

IPL and acne

November 3rd, 2016
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One of the concerns with IPL in men is in the beard area. You should check with your physician to find out which wavelength was used. This is one of the reasons why I prefer V-Beam for men.  Best, Dr. Green

Web reference: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/intense-pulsed-light-therapy-acne

Michele S. Green, MD

Michele S. Green, MD
New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 78 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.