Can laser hair removal get rid of previous Hyperpigmentation from ingrown hairs? I'm 21 & it's been there for about 10 years.

Question

Hello I'm a light-skinned african american girl (Chanel Iman's skin tone) and I always had a problem with my bikini line. I can't shave, wax, epilate, nothing...because it always causes ingrown hairs followed by dark spots where the area healed. I talked to my Gyno and she said to stop everything and get laser hair removal but I would like to know if it works for getting rid of dark spots that were there for years? I've tried fade creams including HQ 4% with retin a doesn't work. I'm frustrated

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Bikini line laser hair removal and hyperpigmentationExisting dark spots can be improved with a laser treatment and or topical creams. Laser hair removal and the future should be done by an experienced nurse with the appropriate machine that is made for patients with a darker skin such as a Yag

Gregory Herbich, MD · Answer

You can try a Nd:YAG laser to remove remaining dark hairs that contribute to overall pigmentation. Try other bleaching agents such as Azelex and kogic acid. They work slowly.

Pamela Carr, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal will remove the hairs that caused the dark spots, but the dark spots must be treated separately.  In my patients I use a combination of topical agents for home use (like 4% hydroquinone) and in office treatments using TCA peels.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal, done by a skilled person and one knowledgeable in the differences in skin color, can be helpful for this post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) you are more than likely describing. Laser hair removal devices can remove the hair, reduce the inflammatory component and lighten these darker places over time.

Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD · Answer

Laser hair removal treatment will not treat the hyperpigmentation that you already have, but it will reduce the risk of developing dark spots in the future. Speak to your board-certified dermatologist for treatment options to safely lighten the dark spots and even-out your complexion.

Can laser hair removal get rid of previous Hyperpigmentation from ingrown hairs? I'm 21 & it's been there for about 10 years.

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