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Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal on Scarred Area?

I've had laser resurfacing done on my face 5 years ago, and it has left me with a scar above my lip where I'm thinking of having laser hair removal. Do you think it's safe to have laser hair removal over a scarred area?

Doctor Answers 4

Yes, Laser Hair Removal is safe for scarred areas.

February 12th, 2009
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As long as there is no pigmentation over the scar and the area is healed completely, laser hair removal is safe. Choosing a diode laser with a smaller tip will give you faster results.

Test spotting the area first, with lower energy to make sure that the skin can tolerate the laser is very important. If the scarred area is very sensitive I would recommend using a cooling device during the treatment to minimize the discomfort.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS

Safe laser hair removal over scarred area

December 30th, 2013
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In highly trained and experienced hands, there should be no problem in having laser hair removal over a scarred area. ~ Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Benjamin Barankin, MD

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 42 reviews

Laser Hair Removal over a scar

January 6th, 2010
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Hi Norma,

It should not be a problem to have laser hair removal over your scar, even if it is pigmented (colored). If your scar is textured (bumpy) there is no issue at all. Same if the scar is red. If the scar is colored, you can still have laser hair removal although you may need a different type of laser (Nd:Yg) if there is clots of color. Good luck.

Web reference: http://www.celibre.com/hairremoval.aspx

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Have a test spot done first

February 5th, 2009
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It might be wise to have a test spot first to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction. If your skin responds well than the whole area can be treated with less chance of a problem occurring.

Ronald Shelton, MD

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.