Laser Hair Removal for Keloid Prone Skin

Question

I have some keloid scars from some melanoma removed on the torso area and I am being told that hair removal laser is out for me. Does this mean any type of facial laser treatments too such as Fraxel, etc? I am trying to get rid of some fine crows feet lines around my eyes.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Kris,

	Whoever told you this is misinformed. Having a history of keloids does not preclude you from getting laser hair removal. Because laser hair removal is "non-ablative" which means it does NOT cause damage to the surface of the skin (removing it or causing bleeding) it is fine for you to have the procedures. If you were undergoing a procedure that damages the surface of the skin like laser resurfacing, tattoo removal, etc. then the possibility of getting another keloid increases.

	You should search for a practitioner that understands laser hair removal a bit better.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

Having a keloid history does not mean you cannot have successful laser skin resurfacing. It is extremely rare for laser skin resurfacing to produce keloid scars or any scarring for that matter - if performed appropriately by an experienced practitioner.

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Laser Hair Removal for Keloid Prone Skin

Answers (2)

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