Boulder Laser Hair Removal doctors

Experienced dermatologists often do not need to do test spots for routine laser hair removal. For darker skinned patients test spots may be a good idea and in certain settings should be performed. The need for test spot is therefore based on the experience of the laser doctor and the patient's skin type. In general, you cannot go wrong with a test spot to see that it is safe at the planned laser setting. The only "side effects" is that it just may delay the treatment start date and may cost a little extra in the long run to assure your safety if there is any concern.

Waxing before hair removal defeats the laser and so should be avoided for 2-4 weeks prior to laser hair removal.  If the hairs are blond then the laser cannot treat them. If the hairs are plucked from the follicle the laser has no target.  If your hairs are bleached blond but are truly black then the laser will still target the deeper pigmented hair and achieve its job, assuming you havent waxed in 2 weeks.  The only problem then is to convince your dermatologist that the bleached hairs are actually dark so they can be certain that the results will be exceptional. You would know if they are brown , black or blond and this should be communicated to your doctor.  Remember, only electrolysis can help with truly blond hair ....no laser exists to treat blond hairs!! Also shaving the day before the procedure helps to avoid burning the hairs on the skin and is most helpful in optimizing results while minimizing risks.

From your picture it does look like it may be hypopigmentation secondary to the laser treatment. This is a rare complication but does occur.  In almost all cases, it will resolve over time (several months).  Sun exposure may help but may not be advised as hypopigmented skin is more susceptible to burns.  I have seen patients treated elsewhere who come in with this complication and to date none have remained permanently hypopigmented. The fact that you had no blister or scabbing makes it even less likely to be permanent.  Remember the laser is looking for pigment in the hair follicle and if your skin was tan it may treat the skin pigmnent first.  Lastly, some lasers use a cold spray every time they fire which yours may have done (a spray sound and burst of cold each pulse) .  If so,  your pigment loss may be a result of the cold spray and not the laser beam and in this case it is unclear if it will be permanent.