Question
I am very frustrated. I have sideburns and neck hair. I am very fair skinned with dark hair. I first went to a laser hair removal center about three years ago. I had an inumberable amount of treatments with the GentleLase laser from Candella. It didn't work so the staff at the treatment center suggested that I go to an Endocronologist to check for a hormone imbalance. I went and had the blood work done, but that came out normal. I've started going to a new laser center that uses the ProLight laser. I am having the same results as with the other laser. I am beginning to think there is no solution for me.

Answer
I am very frustrated. I have sideburns and neck hair. I am very fair skinned with dark hair. I first went to a laser hair removal center about three years ago. I had an inumberable amount of treatments with the GentleLase laser from Candella. It didn't work so the staff at the treatment center suggested that I go to an Endocronologist to check for a hormone imbalance. I went and had the blood work done, but that came out normal. I've started going to a new laser center that uses the ProLight laser. I am having the same results as with the other laser. I am beginning to think there is no solution for me.

Answer
Sorry to hear your results. The Candela Gentlelase is an excellent Alexandritel Laser. Even the Prolite (not my favorite IPL system) should yield adequate results in experienced hands.
I am glad that you saw an endocrinologist to rule out hormone problems...that was smart.
Are you sure that the two operators you have had are very experienced?
Statistically, 90% of laser hair patients are very pleased with their results.

Answer
I am not sure if the operators were experienced. They both went through training, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they were experienced. How do I find someone that is a good operator?

Answer
Let's face it, you are talking about your face, so it is probably worth your while to go to a doctor who advertises for hair removal, and one which has more than one laser for this use (there is honestly no one system which is perfect for everyone).
Ask the doctor how many years he or she has been doing LHR and ask if they have a previous client with facial hair who is willing to share their experience.

Answer
I have copied and pasted this same message to various cries for help throughout this site just to get my story to as many girls as I can. It is not a hoax I just wanted to get it out there.
Noone knows the emotional traumal excessive facial hair can cause like myself. I will try to make this short. Mine started 8 years ago after using the Norplant. I am now 26. Two months ago I was put on 200 mg of Spironolactone per day. To my own disbelief my facial hair growth has basically come to a screeching hault. This medication is commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. But my doctor put me on it to treat just the excessive hair growth. It blocks the testosterone! I am not giving any medical advice whatsoever. Just merely telling my personal story. After years of crying, plucking, electrolysis, bleaching, vaniqa and laser treatments I feel obligated to help whomever I can. I spent thousands on laser treatments (more than 50 visits) just to continue to watch the hair grow on my lip, chin and travel down my neck. Oh yes I had my testosterone checked and a variety of other tests for $453 (no insurance). The results showed normal levels. My physician put me on this med. to block the testosterone anyway. I had to go to many many doctors and specialists before I found someone who CARED. And she YES SHE is not even a "physician" she is a nurse practitioner. DO NOT GIVE UP! Do your research!
Good Luck and keep us posted
Ang