For Laser Hair Removal, is It Normal for Technician Not to Use Any Gel on Skin Prior to Laser?

Question

I had 5 laser hair removal sessions on my legs. The technician did not use any gel prior to applying laser. She said that the cool touch laser did not require the use of the gel. After one of the treatments I had tiny scabs where the light points hit. I didn't find the laser reduced my hair density and now, 6 months later, I have little white spots where the pinpoint scabs were. Are these white spots permanent and should she have used gel to prevent these little scabs from forming?

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Whether or not a gel is used is truly up to the technicians discretion. Some offices use the gel to protect the outer layers of the skin however, it is not required.

Arie Benchetrit, MD · Answer

There exists as many types of lasers as there are cars out on the market right now. Each machine has it's own protocols to follow and clinics like ours may have their own proprietary techniques and tricks that stem from years of experience of seeing many cases and reactions. These scabs sound like superficial burns that can happen with any type of laser. The white spots are called hypopigmentation. Albeit rare, hypopigmentation is also a risk with any type of laser; it may or may not follow a burn. These are real risks, but are greatly reduced when in the hands of an experienced medical esthetician or nurse. Usually, hypopigmentation will correct itself within a few months to a year of normal sun exposure, some cases can take longer. Try applying self tanning cream with a small brush to darken the white marks till it gets better. I hope this helps!

For Laser Hair Removal, is It Normal for Technician Not to Use Any Gel on Skin Prior to Laser?

Answers (2)