IPL facial while using Minoxidil for beard growth? Is it contradictory?

Question

Hi Doctors, I am considering to have an IPL facial (probably 3-4 sessions) to help with some redness and sun damage, but I have recently started using Minoxidil for beard growth (which I know is not 'officially' supported by Minoxidil, but several anecdotal evidence exists). My question is; if I have an IPL (or Fractional Laser) on my face, is there a possibility it may affect my beard growth (using Minoxidil). I ask because I understand IPL and laser can also be used for hair removal.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your very interesting question.  You are correct, most IPL devices will treat pigment and also reduce hair growth.  The ICON MaxG  IPL PhotoFacial is doubled filtered to avoid damaging hair growth.  If your beard growth is that important to you, I would just recommend that they avoid treating those areas.  I hope this helps.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

You ask a great question. Yes, IPL can decrease hair in the treated area. We do not usually treat men in the lower face in areas where they do not want to chance losing hair. I would not recommend it.

Jake Wardwell, DO · Answer

You will only have the upper half of your face treated. IPL will cause hair loss only in the areas treated. It can be a great way of cultivating the desired hair line to clean up any patchy edges. Be clear with your doctor where you want the hair line to stop. Halo is a type of laser for facial rejuvenation that is totally safe over areas with hair and I’ll even use it to deliver growth factors (from PRP or amniotic membrane) to the dermal layer to stimulate hair regrowth along the beard line. This may be a better alternative depending on the amount of downtime you have and what you are trying to accomplish with IPL/BBL.

IPL facial while using Minoxidil for beard growth? Is it contradictory?

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IPL facial while using Minoxidil for beard growth? Is it contradictory?

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.