Laser Hair Removal - Related FAQ's

Q: I saw someone who had laser hair removal and she developed round white marks in scattered areas that are the size of pencil erasers. It looks very obvious and unusual. Will this go away?

A: Not necessarily. If there is complete loss of melanocytes in the area, the body may never regenerate these pigment cells. If however, there is merely a reduction in the number of melanocytes per unit area, then there may be regeneration. A dermatologist uses an ultraviolet light to examine the skin and can determine if there is reduction or loss of pigmentation. It is for this reason of hypo and hyperpigmentation that skin tests with laser hair removal are helpful in dark skinned individuals.

Q: I had laser for hair removal a few days ago but I notice my skin is darker now. Is this going to go away?

A: Usually dark skin noted so soon after laser hair removal will resolve but you should keep it out of the sun, use sunscreen and see your doctor to determine if you need a lightening cream.

Q: I saw on the internet a photo of a woman’s skin with white spots after laser hair removal. Is this permanent?

A: Unfortunately, despite laser hair removal being such a commonly-performed treatment, risks exist! Both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation can be seen after laser hair removal. Hyperpigmentation often, but not always, resolves but hypopigmentation may persist. This is very rare in light-complected individuals. One should avoid trying to tan the areas as this may increase the risk of developing skin cancer and the white spots may not darken but the normal skin will, thereby increasing the contrast between the two colors.

Q: Can I wax my upper lip after I have laser hair removal?

A: There is a risk of epidermal injury if the waxing, which can be traumatic, is done too soon after the laser hair removal. It might be best to wait one week after the waxing before you do laser hair.

Q: I had laser hair removal when I was out of town, and I got scabs! They’re still colored now four months after the scabs went away. What can I do to make it go away?

A: Is it pigment that might respond to lightening creams, or is it enlarged blood vessels? This is a crucial question to answer as a treatment could be topical creams for the former and V-beam laser treatments for the latter.

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