Beard shadow: I had over 20 laser facial hair removal and I still have the dark shadow.

Thanks for the question and without seeing you or a photo, it is reallyhard to determine what is still going on with your skin. I would strongly recommend that you consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to examine you, your skin, and to determine the next step for you. Twenty treatments is a lot in some, but not unreasonable in others – again, make sure that the hair laser technician is well skilled and has several machines available to help you with your concerns.

Laser hair reduction works by targeting the pigment in the hair (melanin) with a wavelength of light that effectively concentrates in the hair shaft, effectively destroying it without affecting the surrounding skin or the follicle. Lasers are most effective in those individuals of lighter skin types, darker hair color and coarse hair types.
Most patients need at least 6-8 effective treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles so multiple sessions are needed in order to affect all hair on any given area. Secondly, length of growth cycle varies depending on the body part. The face, in general, requires more frequent treatments. These factors all play into if a dark shadow will still appear.
Typically, treated hair should be shed within three weeks of treatment. The hair that does not shed and is growing after that time has most likely been either missed or not affected due to inappropriate laser settings.
It is important to keep in mind that it is called “reduction” because no matter what some clinics claim, hair removal lasers cannot and do not remove 100% of the hair in any area. With proper treatments however, lasers can remove the majority of coarse hair on the treated body area.

In addition, there are many variables to consider when undergoing laser hair “reduction” including the type of laser being used, how the settings are set, underlying causes of hair growth, and experience of the operator.

In order to assess your specific situation and customize an appropriate action plan I would recommend you schedule a consult appointment with our medical team at Schweiger Dermatology, experts in laser hair reduction.