Ive gone to various laser hair removal spa type places around the city over the years and have tried getting hair removal on my my neck and upper cheeks area but never saw any difference at all even after 3-6 treatments and would then give up. I know you often have to go for 6-12 but I would expect to see some descent progress after 3-6 sessions. Is there a different in the technology used in derm office vs these med spas that generally are much cheaper? I have a mix of light and dark brown hair
January 5, 2022
Answer: Laser hair removal In general the technology available isn’t necessarily dependent upon whether it is a med spa vs a dermatologist as laser hair removal is generally not as restricted as other devices. As a dermatologist our training and board exams include information that demonstrate an understanding of the different laser technologies and the science behind them. I think the big difference, speaking generally, is that there is likely to be more customization and increasing intensity of treatment when you seek treatment at a dermatologist office as there may be a better understanding of the technology more than the technology itself being better. You can have the best laser in the world but if you don’t understand it you are unlikely to get great results as well as it becomes much more dangerous with increased frequency of bad outcomes. The other aspect that needs to be kept in mind when considering the difference is that dermatologist are specialists of the hair, skin and nails so it could be assessing the hair to ensure it is the type that would respond well to laser hair removal because really fine vellus type hairs typically don’t respond very well. Hope this was helpful. Dr. James
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January 5, 2022
Answer: Laser hair removal In general the technology available isn’t necessarily dependent upon whether it is a med spa vs a dermatologist as laser hair removal is generally not as restricted as other devices. As a dermatologist our training and board exams include information that demonstrate an understanding of the different laser technologies and the science behind them. I think the big difference, speaking generally, is that there is likely to be more customization and increasing intensity of treatment when you seek treatment at a dermatologist office as there may be a better understanding of the technology more than the technology itself being better. You can have the best laser in the world but if you don’t understand it you are unlikely to get great results as well as it becomes much more dangerous with increased frequency of bad outcomes. The other aspect that needs to be kept in mind when considering the difference is that dermatologist are specialists of the hair, skin and nails so it could be assessing the hair to ensure it is the type that would respond well to laser hair removal because really fine vellus type hairs typically don’t respond very well. Hope this was helpful. Dr. James
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