Can I wait 4 months between my forth and fifth laser hair removal sessions?

Question

My wedding is on July the 27th and I'm sure I will tan in my honeymoon and get exposed to sun. I just had my third laser session, do you think I should have my forth session 8 weeks before the wedding and have the fifth session 8 weeks after the wedding (4 months between them) OR should I have the fifth session 2 weeks before the wedding and use sunblock or is it risky? I don't know what to do please help because my laser technician says that it doesn't matter if you tan after is she right?

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It’s recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks between laser hair removal treatments, based on the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Each treatment only targets follicles in an active growth stage, and waiting 4 to 6 weeks between treatments allows maximum efficiency in eliminating all hairs. If your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, it’s best to avoid tanning for at least 4 weeks after laser hair removal. If not, you should be fine tanning 2 weeks after a treatment.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser hair removal. Depending on the type of laser and its wavelength will determine the time between treatments. Firing a laser on skin that has been in direct sunlight (less than two weeks pre/post treatment) can put you at risk for pigmentation problems. This is because the melanocytes in our skin that make us darker become active while in direct sun. It typically takes two weeks for them to "calm down". At that time, laser treatments should be safely performed, depending on the wavelength of the laser being used. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps!

Kristina McLean, MD · Answer

There are a lot of variables we take into consideration when determining the length.  Someone who is very pale complected is safe with no sun 2 weeks before and 1 week after laser hair treatments, where as a much darker skin type or an ethnicity that holds color very well will want to wait 3-6 weeks after very prolonged sun exposure before getting laser hair treatments.  
The technician that knows you and your skin will be the best at determining this for you.  Typically it is safe to get sun a week after laser it is more important to avoid sun prior to treatments.  Laser hair removal is typically done with IPL, which target the pigment in your skin and the darker your skin the riskier the treatment becomes.  It is best to be over cautious and not risk getting a potential burn that could leave a discolored mark.  You may just end up needing a few extra treatments in the end to get your desired result, but that is much better than a discolored mark for months.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  It is probably safest if you wait 1-2 weeks before and after treatments for sun exposure.  The thing that you need to know is, if you come back from your vacation and you are tanner, that the wavelength being used on your skin is appropriate for your skin type.  There are wavelengths available to treat darker skin types without adverse reactions.  If you are currently being treated with the 755nm wavelength, and you come back from vacation and you are tanned, a 1064nm wavelength can be used.  It's best not to treat at all on newly tanned skin (1-2 weeks waiting period) should be considered.Good Luck!

Laurene DiPasquale, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. Although we define the amount of time between laser treatments, it does not always conform to what the patient needs. The times we give our merely guidelines.  Having additional time between your treatments will not affect the final outcome of the treatments. Perhaps you can have your next treatment four weeks before the wedding, so you will have less upkeep during your honeymoon. You can have your fifth treatment three or four weeks after the honeymoon.  I hope this helps. Best wishes for your upcoming marriage. Regards, Dr. Dipasquale

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