Does IPL or Laser Hair Removal Work on Dark Skin?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Steven H. Williams, MD
Question viewed 11,990 times
Tags: dark

I have dark skin. Will laser hair removal work for me?

6 answers to Does IPL or Laser Hair Removal Work on Dark Skin?

IPL or laser hair removal can work on dark skin

Dark skin can be effectively treated with IPL or laser hair removal, as long as the laser is approved to be safe on dark skin. It normally takes longer for the results and the chances of side effects are higher. When the skin is darker, it absorbs more of the energy, which means more discomfort during the treatment. Using a bleaching cream or hydroquinone can help achieve better results with the IPL. Test spotting the treated area and adjusting the appropriate energy is very important with... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

Thank you for your question. For individuals with darker skin tones laser hair removal can be done safely with the right laser. However, there are many lasers that can cause permanent discoloration of darker skin so it is recommended that you discuss this with your provider prior to treatment. In our San Francisco Bay Area practice we use an Nd:YAG laser which is safe and highly effective for all skin types. I hope this helps.

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Dark skin and laser hair removal

Yes laser hair removal will work on dark skin. However it may take longer to achieve optimum results.

Sofia Rubbani, MD
Manhattan Oculoplastic Surgeon

Do not use IPL on dark skin for laser hair removal

The proper laser for hair removal in dark skin types is a long pulsed Nd:Yg laser. There are many types, including the one mentioned by Dr. Law. We disagree that IPL is a good method for hair removal as it is not as safe and will lead to substandard results -- more treatments with less hair and non-permanent hair removal. We generally use the long pulsed Sciton Nd:Yg for Persians, some East Indians with coarse hair and African Americans. All others we have found to be safely and... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

IPL or Laser for hair removal on dark skin

IPL is not a good idea for dark skinned patients. They are more prone to cause burns upon hair removal. Some of the lasers are more specific and can target the hair follicles better. However, a test patch should be performed first to be safe.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Laser Hair Removal can be effective on dark skin

Laser Hair Removal can be very effective for dark skin. We use the Gentleyag, a long pulsed nd Yag laser for patients with darker skin and an alexandrite laser for people with light to medium skin with a high degree of success and patient satisfaction IPL can also be an effective tool for people of all skin types, but it is not the ideal technology for hair removal, and must be used conservatively on dark skin for reduction of dark spots and skin rejuvenation

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

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