What determines the number of sessions needed for full results with laser hair removal?

The number of sessions for 'full results' depends upon several factors including skin color, hair color, hair caliber, laser used, energy administered during each treatment with the laser. I suggest that you consult with several dermatologists who use a dedicated hair removal laser. Physicians and spas that only have an IPL machine often use it for laser hair removal but the results are far less successful than when a hair removal laser is utilized.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many variables that determine how many sessions one needs. Here are some of them.
1. Type of laser
2. Pt tolerance to treatments - if one can't tolerate a higher setting then
it will take many more sessions.
3. Individual response to laser
4. Skin color - the darker the skin the more conservative you will have to
be to avoid burns
5. Color of Hair - the darker the hair, the more the laser will heat the
hair follicle
6. Skill of operator
7. Area of the body - facial hairs are usually less stubborn, pubic areas
require more
8. Gender - males often will need more treatments.

It is always best to get a consultation to have at least an estimate of the number of treatments. It is a must to ask for the type of laser, the experience of the center and the person who will perform your treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The average patient in our program requires between 6-8 laser hair removal treatments for between 75% and 95% permanent hair removal. In general, lighter skinned patients with coarse dark hair respond veryquickly (5-6 treatments) and dark skinned individuals respond more slowly (8-9 treatments). This is because the dark skin in African Americans competes for the light energy of the laser requiring that we use lower energies and more treatments to achieve permanent hair removal.

It's important to note that the type of laser chosen for your skin type and the quality and experience of the practitioner chosen will not only affect the number of treatments involved but whether or not the hair removal you achieve is permanent or not. Stay away from IPL machines if you want permanent hair removal!

Published on Jul 11, 2012