How can I tell Laser Hair Removal is working for me properly?

Question

I am a 28 year old man who is getting LHR done on my beard. So far I've had 3 sessions. I have spots that no longer grow hair, but I still see hair/follicles under my skin, so I suspect that there will be regrowth. I do have clearer spots, but they're tiny. Smaller than the circumference of a pencil eraser. How can I tell this is working? Is 3 sessions too early to be asking?

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question. The fact that you are already seeing reduction is very good. 3 treatments is still very early in the game. It will continue to improve as you have more treatments. It can take 10-12 depending on the laser and your hair. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, it's still too early to judge your results. It takes a series of treatments to get improvement. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. Some patients do require treatments to maintain results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear BeardBeGone:There are many subtleties to the planning and executive of successful laser hair removal. Your beard hairs may be very coarse, in which case a large spot size (eg 18 mm) will be most effective. As the more coarse hairs are treated the hairs that remain may be finer, and the treatment parameters may need to be adjusted (e.g., a smaller spot size with a greater energy). The doctor can tell as the treatment is being performed if it will be effective by the drizzling and possibly even ejection of hairs from the follicle with each pulse. You might know if you get transient red bumps around the follicles, although not everyone gets these. If you are unsure, ask your physician how they know it is working.All the best,   Dr. Clark

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would still wait for results. It is too early to make a judgement. I sounds like it has started to work. I have found that satisfaction with beard LHR is low because it appears spotty after treatment.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question – and in general, depending on the device being used and the skill level of the provider, laser hair removal, in most, takes about 4-6 sessions for one to see the complete benefits.  Since you are seeing some improvement now, I would keep going and discuss expectations with your provider.  Good luck.

Teresa Mann, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal is performed as a series.  It is important to follow through with this series in order to achieve the best desired result.  Hair grows in phases, during each laser treatment you are targeting the hair in the Anagen growth phase.  Not all hair is in this phase, which is the phase hair needs to be in to destroy the follicle with laser hair reduction.  Approximately every 4-6 weeks the beard region has a new Anagen growth phase coming in.  After each treatment, you will slowly start to see the miniaturization and reduction of hair follicles in the area being treated.  I would suggest discussing in depth with your Practitioner how laser hair reduction works and express your questions and concerns with them.  
Regards,

How can I tell Laser Hair Removal is working for me properly?

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