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Question

Which is better for facial hair removal - IPL or laser?

I've been researching for three days now on how to remove little light hair on my face. The center for IPL claims the method to be more effective, using a machine called "Cutera", but the center for laser told me that only laser treatments can remover hair from the face, except that little light hair, which won't go away! I also found out that IPL treatments are half the price of laser.

Any honest and professional answers regarding the matter? Thank you.

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Asked by: Lena1
Lebanon

Answers (1)

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1
September 26, 2008
Edward Bruce McClendon, MD
Edward Bruce McClendon, MD

Without seeing the color of the hair, I can give you a partial answer.  The very fine, vellous hair on the face is very hard to treat.  In our experience, IPL is not the appropriate treatment for this type of hair.  Unfortunately, laser hair removal does not treat this hair either.  Most lasers are seeking pigment.  The darker the hair, the more the laser is "attracted"  to the hair follicle and is better able to destroy it.  The only thing that may give you a semi-permanent result is radio-frequency.

One alternative you may consider is epidermal leveling.  Technicians use a specially designed blade to gently remove the outer level of epidermis.  In the process, the fine, light hairs on the face are removed.  The results generally last about 6-8 weeks.  It is about $100 per treatment.  It  is similar to microdermabrasion in that it makes the skin feel smooth and rejuvenated and without the hair, the skin is smoother and brighter. 

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