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How Will a Benign Mole in the Treatment Area Be Affected by Laser Hair Removal?

asked 1 year ago by holy moley in Boston MA
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 385 times
Tags: moles

The technician seemed certain it would darken, but what I keep reading is that it may lighten. It is fairly light already, and raised. I saw a dermatologist prior to my 1st treatment & she said the mole was benign. The laser type is a CoolGlide. The hairs around the mole are one of the reasons I'm doing this so I don't want to skip the area or white dot it. I just want to understand how it will change. Thanks!

3 answers to How Will a Benign Mole in the Treatment Area Be Affected by Laser Hair Removal?

+1

Lighten if Anything

I would beg to differ with the technician here. The chromophore ( target) of the laser is the pigment in the hair follicle, thus the pigment of the mole might be "zapped" as the laser beam moves deep in the skin. This could possibly lighten the color of the mole. It was prudent to have your dermatologist check out the mole first to assure its benignity.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal could lighten the pigment of the mole but if there is significant reaction with the laser energy there is a chancw of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Laser on benign moles

Hair removal lasers specifically target the pigment cells within the hair follicle. It is conceivable that a laser pass over a benign mole would alter the appearance of the mole or it may have no effect at all. Be cautious however if it does alter the appearance of the mole it makes it more difficult for your dermatologist to clinically monitor the mole.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

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