Are there any contraindications for laser hair removal if I am taking tetracycline?

Below is a list of issues that may prevent you from getting a laser hair removal treatment at our facility. The list is not meant to be exhaustive but is a good starting point for issues that are contrainidcated for laser hair removal.

Photosensitizing Medications (evaluated with medical history)
Unshaven Hair
Fake tanning products
Tattoos or Permanent Makeup in the area
Plucking/waxing 2 weeks prior or less
Intentional sun exposure 2 weeks prior or less
Retin A or hydroquinone 3 days prior or less
Intramuscular gold therapy

Laser hair removal works by a process known as selective photothermolysis, wherein laser light is used to heat up and destroy follicles selectively on the skin. Laser light is essentially one wavelength of the light spectrum and can thus be absorbed by the hair follicles but also the skin. Thus, your treating physician must assess your skin type to determine the settings for laser hair removal and should also be made aware of medications, including certain antibiotics and drugs, that can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and laser light.
This is one specific reason why laser hair removal should be performed under the direct supervision of a physician. This will minimize potentially harmful complications.

Any changes in the medical history can affect the procedure. You should inform the technician performing the treatment of any new medication, or conditions before each treatment.
Antibiotics can make your skin photo sensitive, and you may not be able to tolerate the pain and discomfort during the treatment. Tetracycline and Retin-A should be stopped for several weeks before any laser hair removal procedure and Accutane should be stopped for 12 month.