Is IPL Laser Hair Removal with Metal Screws in Knee Safe?

Question

I'm wondering if it would be safe for me to receive IPL laser hair removal treatment on my leg (knee area) if I have had an ACL reconstruction and suspect I have metal screws around my knee? Will it caused some sort of burn/disconfort? Thanks!

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

IPL reaches to the deep dermis and the superficial subcutaneous fat layer.  Appliances such as metal screws are usually deeper than that, at the bony structures under the muscle.  It is safe to have IPL done in those areas.

	For external fixating devices (ones on the outside of the skin), they would need to be covered and avoided so that the light does not reflect from them.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal will not affect the metal screws or be any more likely to cause complications.   I assume that the surgery is completely healed.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The hair removal IPL will target the hair follicles. It won't penetrate deep enough to affect or cause pain or problems with any metal in your body, like legs, arms, or even metal plates in chest. You are good to go!

Is IPL Laser Hair Removal with Metal Screws in Knee Safe?

Answers (3)

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