Negatives to complete Laser Hair Removal in private area (complete Brazilian)?

Question

What are some of the negatives about completely removing the hair from down there? I read an article that stated there's a higher risk of STIs? Also, I will only be getting 6 sessions done, and I know with hormones changing over time it can cause the hair to grow back, is that true?

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Brazilians (complete removal of pubic hair) are one of the most common laser hair removal procedures we see. The recent article about having a higher risk of STI's was misleading. Those that they studied who removed all their pubic hair were generally younger and more sexually active. You would expect that kind of population to have more STI's.

After 6 treatments you can expect a large amount of your hair to be gone, but depending on your hair growth pattern and skin type you may require a few more treatments. You are right about hormonal changes with age possibly affecting hair growth.

Another consideration is changes in what's generally considered normal or desired. Pubic hair growth "styles" have changed over the years, and what's desired today may not be "in" 5 years from now. Discuss all these  with your provider, and good luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and as you can see from all the answers so far posted, there is no basis to the article that you are referring to.  Laser hair removal has never been associated with any increase in infection in anyone and in any area treated.  So if this is something that interests you, you should have no major concerns.  Remember, laser hair removal is hair removal over time – some need 2, 4, or 6 treatments and some may need more.  And most will need some maintenance therapy over time – find the right provider and good luck with things.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear Hus5:An idea that there could be an increased risk of STDs after laser hair removal could have come about as a result of confusion over the increase in STDs after shaving, which creates nicks in the skin that could allow a portal of entry for infections, and has absolutely no basis in fact.  The only downsides to laser hair removal are the upfront costs involved and any possibility of a change of heart in the case of the more radical Brazilian approach, and the possibility of activating a herpetic infection if there is a history of herpes in the treated area (this is easy to prevent with medication at the time of treatment). Upsides include saving of time, prevention and elimination of ingrown hairs, infections and itching, and over the ,one run, saving money.

Ram Chandra, MD · Answer

There is no basis for the statement that STIs are higher in those who have laser hair removal sessions in bikini area. By removing the pubic hair by whatever method, pubic area skin is more likely to come in direct contact with the the other person's skin (if that person also has no pubic hair) who might have an active infection in that area, like genital herpes, syphilis, LGV, warts or molluscum contagiosum. On the other hand the person who has no pubic hair is less likely to get Pubic lice ("crabs"?) from the other person. In other words any concomitant increase in STIs is not a direct result of laser treatment, but indirect result from resulting hairless skin being exposed. Hope that clarifies. In our facility we have been able to achieve more than 90% reduction with about 5 Brazilian Bikini laser treatments in most individuals; more than 95% of people are very happy with the results. Unlike the facial hair in women, bikini hair is not so much hormone-dependent, and hence there is unlikely to be any effect from hormonal issues in this area of the body. Skin will become a lot smoother, with less bumps and elimination of ingrown hair and hence its worth it. However you might need a touch up maintenance sessions once in a while. So not to expect that you would have 6 sessions and done for life! A touch up session once in a while is not an inconvenience.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The article stating there are more STDs after hair removal is related to the fact that people who do this procedure are more sexually active and has nothing to do with the procedure. 6 sessions is usually enough for most people but more might be needed. Also, touch ups are needed every 6 months in most people. There are risks with burns and pigmentation changes with all lasers.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

IN addition that was a very misleading article that suggested there was any increase in STI if you have a Brazilian. They made that erroneous statement so that they would get publicity.the hair, if you use a good laser will not grow back and it is permanent.david berman md

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