From the Guidelines
Laser hair removal is contraindicated for individuals with certain conditions, including active skin infections, open wounds, or recent sunburn in the treatment area, and can cause side effects such as temporary redness, swelling, and discomfort, as well as more serious effects like burns, blistering, and pigmentation changes. When considering laser hair removal, it is essential to be aware of the potential contraindications and side effects. Some of the key contraindications include:
- Active skin infections in the treatment area
- Open wounds in the treatment area
- Recent sunburn in the treatment area
- Pregnancy
- History of keloid scarring
- Use of photosensitizing medications like isotretinoin or certain antibiotics
- Presence of tattoos in the treatment area
- History of skin cancer, which requires consultation with a doctor before treatment The side effects of laser hair removal can vary in severity, with common effects including:
- Temporary redness
- Swelling
- Discomfort similar to a mild sunburn More serious but less common side effects can include:
- Burns
- Blistering
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)
- Scarring
- Paradoxical hair growth (where treatment stimulates hair growth instead of reducing it) According to a study on the complications of laser therapy 1, individuals with darker complexions are at a higher risk of hypopigmentation and scarring due to the laser's effect on melanin. To minimize the risks associated with laser hair removal, it is crucial to:
- Choose a qualified practitioner
- Follow pre and post-treatment care instructions
- Attend a consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
From the Research
Contraindications of Laser Hair Removal
- Patients receiving systemic isotretinoin treatment may be at risk of scar and keloid formation, although a study found that laser hair removal with alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers is safe in these patients 2
- Fully ablative lasers, mechanical dermabrasion, and ablative radiofrequency procedures are not recommended during isotretinoin use 3
Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
- Temporary crusting and hypopigmentation have been reported as side effects of laser hair removal 2
- Blistering, pigmentation, ulceration, and scar or keloid formation were not experienced by patients in a study on the safety of laser hair removal in patients receiving systemic isotretinoin treatment 2
- Keloid formation and persistent hyperpigmentation have been reported in a few cases of patients treated with isotretinoin and undergone skin-related procedures 3
Management of Potential Side Effects
- Silicone-based products are recommended as the gold standard for the prevention and treatment of scars 4
- Invasive treatment options for scars include intralesional injections of corticosteroids and/or 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical excision 4
- Keloid management remains a multimodal approach, and there is no gold standard of treatment that provides a consistently low recurrence rate 5