Laser Hair Removal - Related FAQ's

Q: Can I have laser hair removal of my underarms if I am 15 years old?

A: If you are a good candidate, and your parent(s) give written consent for you after learning of the risks and advantages, and alternatives, then the answer is, yes. Your risks would be the same as someone older than you, namely: pigmentation (lighter and darker) and scarring. These are not common but do occur.

Q: My friend had laser hair removal on her legs. She has dark skin and got blisters. Will this scar?

A: There may not be scars, but there is a chance of long term pigmentation changes, both darker and lighter. A dermatologist may be able to help improve the condition.

Q: What is the safest laser to use for hair removal in dark skin?

A: The longer wavelength lasers go more deeply avoiding the heat buildup occurring in the epidermis and destroying the epidermal pigment. The NdYag laser works well in skin of color but there is a price to pay for greater epidermal safety, and that is a slightly less effectiveness in the 1064nm wavelength laser compared with the diode lasers of a lower wavelength.

Q: I want to have laser hair removal of my underarms. Is there anything special I should do before hand?

A: Make sure that you don't get a tan in this area or any others prior to laser hair removal, otherwise there can be an increased risk of pigmentation problems. You should shave the day before or morning of the laser treatment so that you lower the risk of thermal burns on the surface of the skin from the hair above the surface absorbing too much laser heat energy. You want the laser energy to pass through the surface of the skin and affect the hair follicle which only can happen if the hair remains in the deep dermis. Therefore you should not pluck or wax the underarms, or any other area that will undergo laser hair removal for two weeks prior to therapy.

Q: I had laser hair removal in a spa and despite my dark skin they promised I had nothing to worry about. One day after my treatment I developed blisters in many of the treated areas in my bikini area. Will I get permanent scars from this?

A: It is rare to scar after laser hair removal but pigmentation can get darker from your skin's response to the laser. This may take months or years to get better. Avoid sun exposure and get your dermatologist's treatment for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Related FAQ's

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