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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Recieved Laser Hair Removal Treatments I Regret Part 2
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Recieved Laser Hair Removal Treatments I Regret Part 2
by DFPG, Apr 27, 2005 12:00AM
Doctor,
These questions are related.
2. At 22 years old, I already have some grey hairs on my head. I understand that this is probably genetic and I’m assuming that since my head is going to go grey prematurely, my beard probably will too. My questions is, is my facial hair going to go grey (lose its color) any sooner as a result of my treatments? Is the fact that some of the hairs aren’t growing in with all of the pigment they once had a sign that they’ll be going grey sooner than they once would have? Again, I have studied up on this a little and I’ve read that hairs go grey when the body doesn’t produce melanocytes I’M ASSUMING from a lack of melanocyte stem cells. Are you born with a set amount of melanocyte stem cells (and people who go grey early are just born with less) or does your keep producing them (and people go grey because some code in their genetics just tells the body to stop)? The reason I ask is because I don’t want to have just killed (with the laser) x number of melanocyte stem cells resulting in my facial going grey sooner than it would have.
3. Finally, is there such thing as the follicle being “half-way” permanently damaged, or is it either its just completely dead or completely normal and functioning the way it was before the treatments. By “half-way” I mean, is it possible for the hair to be growing at the same rate and thickness, and even color as it was before the treatments, yet still have permanent damage to it that may result it to lose the color prematurely (previous question), or even fall out and die sooner than it would have? If the hair grows back, is it completely healed or will it completely heal?
As you can probably tell I’m very worried about this I’m just looking for some answers. I severely regret my decision to even try laser hair removal and it is by far the biggest mistake of my life. I’m taking it pretty hard and I would just like to know what damage I have done to myself and what to be expecting in the future. I just hope that my facial hair can go back to the way it was and I haven’t caused any permanent damage. If you could take time out of what I’m sure is a busy schedule to answer any of these questions, it would be very helpful and I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Chris
These questions are related.
2. At 22 years old, I already have some grey hairs on my head. I understand that this is probably genetic and I’m assuming that since my head is going to go grey prematurely, my beard probably will too. My questions is, is my facial hair going to go grey (lose its color) any sooner as a result of my treatments? Is the fact that some of the hairs aren’t growing in with all of the pigment they once had a sign that they’ll be going grey sooner than they once would have? Again, I have studied up on this a little and I’ve read that hairs go grey when the body doesn’t produce melanocytes I’M ASSUMING from a lack of melanocyte stem cells. Are you born with a set amount of melanocyte stem cells (and people who go grey early are just born with less) or does your keep producing them (and people go grey because some code in their genetics just tells the body to stop)? The reason I ask is because I don’t want to have just killed (with the laser) x number of melanocyte stem cells resulting in my facial going grey sooner than it would have.
3. Finally, is there such thing as the follicle being “half-way” permanently damaged, or is it either its just completely dead or completely normal and functioning the way it was before the treatments. By “half-way” I mean, is it possible for the hair to be growing at the same rate and thickness, and even color as it was before the treatments, yet still have permanent damage to it that may result it to lose the color prematurely (previous question), or even fall out and die sooner than it would have? If the hair grows back, is it completely healed or will it completely heal?
As you can probably tell I’m very worried about this I’m just looking for some answers. I severely regret my decision to even try laser hair removal and it is by far the biggest mistake of my life. I’m taking it pretty hard and I would just like to know what damage I have done to myself and what to be expecting in the future. I just hope that my facial hair can go back to the way it was and I haven’t caused any permanent damage. If you could take time out of what I’m sure is a busy schedule to answer any of these questions, it would be very helpful and I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Chris
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 28, 2005 12:00AM
People gray at different rates in different places--some gray on the scalp before the beard, others the reverse. It is therefore impossible to answer your question about melanocyte development in a systematic way.
For better or worse, laser hair removal is not always permanent--hair often grows back, and most of the time the hair comes in the same color as before, if not necessarily the same thickness. I have not seen hair come in white as a result of laser hair removal. I suspect that the hair looks lighter because it's thinner. In time it is likely to look even with your other hair.
While I understand your concern, in 8 years of laser hair removal experience, I have seen people who are dissatisfied because their hair didn't go away completely or because it came back, but never anyone who fwlt it was the worst mistake of their life. I think if you wait, you'll be OK.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
For better or worse, laser hair removal is not always permanent--hair often grows back, and most of the time the hair comes in the same color as before, if not necessarily the same thickness. I have not seen hair come in white as a result of laser hair removal. I suspect that the hair looks lighter because it's thinner. In time it is likely to look even with your other hair.
While I understand your concern, in 8 years of laser hair removal experience, I have seen people who are dissatisfied because their hair didn't go away completely or because it came back, but never anyone who fwlt it was the worst mistake of their life. I think if you wait, you'll be OK.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by nikolausss, Jun 14, 2005 12:00AM
I also received two laser hair removal treatments on my beard and have come to regret them. I realize now that the treatments were unncessary and would like them reversed. Unfortunately, after a year and a half, my facial hair continues to grow in splotches and streaks. Should I wait to see if my beard will eventually grow back? Is there any procedure that will reverse the effects of the laser? Or do I have no choice but to bite the bullet and get my streaks removed?
