Understanding face laser hair reduction
Facial hair in women is frequently hormonally driven, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome are common. Laser will reduce existing hair, but if the hormonal driver is untreated, new hair continues to be stimulated.
Facial skin is thinner and more reactive than body skin, so settings are conservative and sessions are spaced closer, typically four weeks apart in the early phase.
Patients using certain medications or with recent tanning may need to postpone treatment, which is checked at every visit rather than only at the first one.
This may suit you if
- Upper lip, chin and jawline hair
- Frequent facial threading or waxing causing irritation or pigmentation
- Patients whose hormonal causes have been assessed or are being treated
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Assessment for hormonal causes
Menstrual history and features suggesting a hormonal cause are reviewed; investigation is advised where appropriate.
- 2
Test patch
A small area is treated first where indicated, to check how your skin responds before treating the whole face.
- 3
Treatment
Facial areas are treated with conservative settings, eye protection and cooling. Sessions are short.
- 4
Review
Response is reviewed across sessions, and settings are adjusted as tolerance is established.
Aftercare
- Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen on treated areas
- No waxing, threading or plucking between sessions — shave instead
- Skip sauna, steam, swimming and hot baths for 48 hours
- Avoid scrubs, retinoids and perfumed products on treated skin for a few days
- Avoid makeup on treated facial areas for the rest of the day
Possible side effects
- Redness and mild swelling around follicles for a few hours
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, more likely in deeper skin tones
- Rare blistering or burns if settings or aftercare are inappropriate
- Incomplete reduction where hair is light, fine or hormonally driven
- Paradoxical hair stimulation on the face in rare cases, which is monitored for