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Is It Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal Where There is a Mole?

asked 2 years ago by gonza in California
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 1,542 times
Tags: under arms, moles

I am considering laser hair removal for my underarms, but I have a mole on my underarm, would I need to remove my mole before Laser Hair removal or is it ok to do the laser hair removal on the area where I have a mole?

3 answers to Is It Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal Where There is a Mole?

+2

Have your mole examined by a dermatologist before you start Laser Hair Removal.

Once your dermatologist confirms the nature of the mole, laser hair removal should be acceptable to the area. If it's a brown mole, it may burn, or fade. You could also consider IPL Permanent Hair Removal. When we treat an area with a mole, we put a small piece of white paper over the mole so it remains unaffected. I hope this is helpful for you.
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal

If the mole is benign, laser hair removal has not been reported to transform such a mole into a malignant, or cancerous one. If any mole though, changes in size, bleeds, develops irregular edges, or different colors at any time in the future it should be looked at by a dermatologist. Your mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist before the laser hair removal to give you reassurance.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

?? Removal of Mole

Interesting you bring this up. Yesterday, I received a report of someone with a very atypical mole in the axilla (armpit). She was sent to me for excision prior to laser hair removal. Last year a man presented for removal of a plethora of skin tags. I noticed one that looked very strange: dark and ominous. It was a melanoma. Bottom line: a dermatologist should check the mole out before proceeding. However, if you are having the laser hair removal procedure performed by a... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

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