Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Another major concern among potential laser hair removal patients is the permanency of the procedure.  After all, shaving, waxing, and dying do the job temporarily for a fraction of the price.  You will be happy to learn that the major appeal of laser hair removal is that when it is done correctly it can be permanent.  Of course the effectiveness of the treatments varies depending on several factors.

The number of sessions your clinician prescribes can contribute to permanent hair removal.  For example, one or two sessions may effectively remove hair, but many patients will see re growth in 4-6 weeks.  The point of the procedure is not to kill the root so much as to kill the follicle it is growing from.  To accomplish this, most laser hair removal procedures require several treatments.  Your clinician will likely schedule these sessions at regular intervals for up to a year or as long as re growth continues to occur.

Unfortunately, even some long-term hair removal patients do not see truly permanent results.  The upside is that regrowth is at the very least thinner, fairer, and less sparse than the original hair.  Patients that have been unable to attain permanent results have three options.  Some may continue their regular treatment with maintenance sessions targeted at areas of significant regrowth.  Some choose to pursue other laser hair removal options like a stronger laser, different wavelength, or different process altogether.  And still other patients may decide that they are happy with the results they have obtained, even if complete hair removal is not achieved.

Despite some notable detractors, electrolysis remains a popular hair removal treatment because of its ability to permanently stop hair growth.  In fact, it is the only hair removal procedure that the FDA has approved for promotion as a permanent solution.  Unfortunately, because the procedure only targets a single hair at a time, it can be timely, costly, and even painful to endure when treating large areas.  If you are serious about getting rid of unwanted hair then electrolysis is probably high on your list of options, but be aware that many dermatologists have stopped using this form of hair removal treatment because of its many negative side effects.

Finally, it is important for us to mention that some patients may be partially if not wholly unresponsive to laser hair removal.  Patients with very fine and very light hair, and alternately patients with dark skin and dark hair may have a hard time finding effective treatments, though the technology in this area is improving rapidly.  To avoid unnecessary expense or disappointment, always consult your dermatologist first to determine which hair removal options offer you the best possible results.