From the Guidelines
Laser hair removal is not recommended for areas with terminal hair growth, such as the scalp, pubic, axillary regions, and beard area in men, due to potential risks and limitations. When considering laser hair removal, it's essential to prioritize areas that are safe and effective for treatment. The following areas are not recommended for laser hair removal:
- Eyebrows and surrounding orbital region due to the risk of eye damage
- Mucous membranes such as inside the nose, ears, and genital mucosa
- Tattooed skin, as the laser can react with tattoo pigments
- Areas with active skin conditions like infections, open wounds, cold sores, or severe acne
- Moles, birthmarks, and suspicious lesions, which should be evaluated by a dermatologist first Additionally, laser hair removal is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data, and caution is advised for those taking photosensitizing medications like certain antibiotics, retinoids, or St. John's Wort, which can increase the risk of burns and skin reactions, as noted in various studies 1. It's crucial to consult with a dermatologist or a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases, taking into account the latest guidelines and recommendations, such as those outlined in the care of congenital melanocytic nevi in newborns and infants 1.
From the Research
Areas Not Recommended for Laser Hair Removal
- The eye area, including the eyelids and periorbital areas, is not recommended for laser hair removal due to the high risk of ocular injury 2
- Areas with tattoos or permanent makeup should be avoided, as the laser can cause damage to the ink and lead to complications
- Areas with active infections, such as herpes simplex or impetigo, should not be treated with laser hair removal until the infection has cleared
Special Considerations
- Patients with dark colored skin (Fitzpatrick IV and V) can be treated effectively with comparable morbidity to those with lighter colored skin, but require special consideration and adjustment of laser parameters 3
- Patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy can undergo laser hair removal, but should be closely monitored for potential side effects 4, 5
- Areas with a high risk of scarring, such as the chest or back, should be treated with caution and careful consideration of the patient's skin type and medical history
General Guidelines
- Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective for most areas of the body, but requires proper patient selection and tailoring of the fluence used to the patient's skin type 3, 6
- Common side effects of laser hair removal include erythema, perifollicular edema, and crusting, but are usually temporary and resolve on their own 3, 4, 5