Will laser hair removal remove my folliculitis on my butt and how do I get rid of old scarring left behind?

Question

I have folliculitis on my buttcrack area. It's not severe but it's embarrassing. I'm considering getting a laser hair removal treatment to make it go away completely but with laser you have to shave. I'm afraid when I shave every time I have a laser session that ingrown hairs will come along and leave more scars. On the top part of my butt (both cheeks) I have old tiny tiny dot scars. I have no idea where they came from. Could I microneedle them away or do I HAVE to resort to a lightening cream?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Vivid.  Sorry to hear about your situation, but you do have great options.

For the folliculitis, you are correct that laser hair removal is the best option to get rid of it.  Plan on 6-10 visits depending on your skin type to get a high % (75-90%) of permanent hair removal.  If you are not getting permanent hair removal with your provider, find a new one.

Re: shaving.  You do not have to shave for laser hair removal, but you do need to clip very closely to the surface of the skin.  Shaving can often clip the hair below the skin which is what often causes the irritation.  If you clip right at the surface of the skin, you can avoid the infections/irritation and still be able to get the laser hair removal.

For the little dark dots, microneedling will not help.  Microneedling is not a procedure that can help improve coloration in the skin, rather it is for texture.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this needs hair removal and proper skincare, many of our clients do aerolase + peels like enlighten with proper skincare.

Hair follicles need to be removed with laser hair removal.  Pigmentation can be improved with peels like Cosmelan and enlighten, vivatia foam, restorsea 10X, and reve skin acne purifying enhancer.  in the shower jan Marini glycolic scrub is best.  Dermal infusion and peels like Reve fresh or salicylic acid helps in the office.  See emeragecosmetics body acne package as well and schedule in office laser hair removal.  You need a formal consult.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

No, laser hair removal will not remove folliculitis that you already have.  It is essential to clear up any bacterial folliculitis before getting laser hair removal.  Once the skin is clear and the hair is removed, further episodes can be prevented because there will not be hair there to become infected.  As far as scarring from old folliculitis, resurfacing or morpheus can be used to treat that.

Will laser hair removal remove my folliculitis on my butt and how do I get rid of old scarring left behind?

Answers (3)

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