How many treatments are needed?
Laser treatments impair the growth capacity of the hair follicles when they are in the active growth stage. Not all follicles are active at the same time and several treatments, every few weeks, may be necessary to obtain the desired result. The number of treatments needed to achieve hair reduction varies. Most patients experience a marked reduction in hair growth in 5 to 8 treatments. Additionally, other factors such as hair density, age and hormones can affect the results of your treatments.
The number of treatments depends on the desired degree of reduction and present clinical status of the vessels, hormonal status, area being treated, and medication. (Prednisone and estrogens can increase superficial blood vessel growth). Usually, one or two treatments are needed for facial vessels, and three or four treatments may be needed for the legs. On average, treatments can be done every 3-4 weeks. Cherry Hemangiomas usually only require one or two treatments. Some people start with the area that troubles them the most, and when they see the results, they often return to have other areas treated. Additional touchup treatments on small troublesome areas can be arranged at relatively low cost. There is no safety limit to the number of treatments a person can have. People who have been partially treated with other types of lasers and/or injection sclerotherapy may need fewer laser treatments.
Most patients achieve noticeable improvement after 10 sessions, and first start seeing a difference after the first few treatment sessions. Treatments are performed twice weekly. Some patients with more severe cellulite or lipodystrophy would benefit after 12-16 sessions in the initial treatment series. Maintenance treatments are done monthly thereafter.
