Laser Hair Removal After VI Peel?

Question

I just got a VI peel and realized I have a laser hair removal session appointment for my upper lip 7 days after the peel. Is this enough time between treatments or do I need to wait longer for the laser treatment? Will there be any adverse side effects if I do it too soon?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Depending on an individual's skin color, and history of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation tendency, there may be a greater chance of complication having a laser hair removal shortly after a peel. It might not be the laser hair removal that causes the pigmentation but the peel, however as the pigmentation is often delayed several weeks after the stimulus, you might blame the darkening on the laser when in reality it could have been the peel. Furthermore, if one has a history of herpes cold sores/fever blisters, and the stress of the peel triggered an outbreak but it wants to come out just as the laser hair removal is being done, then that could cause a problem. Chances are that you would be ok, but why risk a problem when you are doing an elective procedure to enhance your aesthetic appearance? Delay your hair removal a few weeks after your peel. Remember to use sunblock.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Lasers look for the difference between hair color and skin color to effectively reach the hair and not the epidermal pigmentation.

	If there is any hyperpigmentation (darkening) after the chemical peel, the risk of complications goes up as it will be more difficult to target the hair without burning the surface of the skin.

	I recommend waiting until the skin is completely recovered from the chemical peel.  Protect your skin from sun exposure as that can also cause hyperpigmentation on recently treated areas.

Laser Hair Removal After VI Peel?

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Laser Hair Removal After VI Peel?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.