I had Laser Hair Removal, causing mole damage. Will I get cancer from the damage?

Question

I have been getting hair removal laser treatment, but this last time I got it, I requested a higher level so that I would see a faster reduction of my arm hair than before, so the nurse used 19/20 level. I got a few burns (more like red bumps), but it wasn't that bad. I noticed that the small brownish-black mole (flat) I had on my arm seems a bit burnt, but I had a thick hair growth in it, so it could be the hair that was burnt inside of it. Will I get cancer if it's damaged?

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

I have been getting hair removal laser treatment, but this last time I got it, I requested a higher level so that I would see a faster reduction of my arm hair than before, so the nurse used 19/20 level. I got a few burns (more like red bumps), but it wasn't that bad. I noticed that the small brownish-black mole (flat) I had on my arm seems a bit burnt, but I had a thick hair growth in it, so it could be the hair that was burnt inside of it. Will I get cancer if it's damaged?So the damage to the mole is likely due to the higher energy setting that you requested.  Laser hair removal settings are based on pigmentation on the skin and hair.  So it is not uncommon to see mild irritation to areas that are darker than surrounding skin (ie moles, freckles, etc).  This is typically a temporary condition and should resolve itself in a few days.  It is unlikely that this treatment or minor damage to the skin around your mole will cause cancer later.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Really, you should not be determining or asking for higher settings. Your technician should be determining that for you and giving you a good treatment based on your skin type and responses to treatment. A higher setting will not always give you a better or faster outcome. And as you can now tell, can actually cause burns. Laser hair removal machines target color. So moles and things can be burned or hit during treatment. It will not cause cancer. That is not possible. But depending on what it is, it can certainly hurt. This is something else your technician should have known.... "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I had Laser Hair Removal, causing mole damage. Will I get cancer from the damage?

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I had Laser Hair Removal, causing mole damage. Will I get cancer from the damage?

Answers (2)

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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.