Laser hair removal on upper lip 2 days ago. I plucked some hairs that were already starting to show. Did I make it worse?

Question

I got laser hair removal on my upper lip 2 days ago, and already started to see dark blackhead-like spots at the ends. It was obviously hair. I plucked some out but didn't continue. I did not force the rest that showed and did not come out with tweezers. This was only my first session and intend on going within the next 4 weeks. I'm worried now that i plucked some. What will happen the next time i get laser please?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question.The hair follicle needs to be present when having laser hair removal treatments. Any hairs you plucked should grow back in time for your next treatment. Although, if you have additional hairs, shaving or trimming them is recommenced. Blackhead-like spots can easily be removed with a gentle exfoliant instead of plucking.

To be sure, see two
or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to
make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have
treatment.

I hope this helps.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal works by thermally destructing the hair
follicles to slow or cease hair growth. The laser is only able to detect the
hair follicle through the pigment of the hair, thus why blonde hair and “peach
fuzz” cannot be treated. When hair is waxed or plucked, the entire hair is
generally removed from the hair follicle, leaving no trace of the hair to be
detected by the hair laser. For this reason, I typically recommended patients
avoid plucking or waxing for at least 4-6 weeks prior to their appointment.

A few days following your laser treatment, it is not unusual
to notice shedding, or hair breaking through the skin. You are not doing harm
to your skin or your prior treatment by pulling on the hair, however it is best
not to force what is not ready to fall out yet. If you pluck hair too soon, the
hair may not grow back in time to be detected during your next laser treatment.
But don’t worry; if this is the case, those hair follicles will be treated in
the future once the hair growth returns.

If you do notice “loose” hair or shedding, you may wash or
wipe the area lightly with a cloth or loofa.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal for the hair to push up to the surface after your treatment, although I would recommend shaving for maintenance instead of tweezing you haven't messed anything up. Make sure you follow post care instructions during this process for best results. Best wishes,Pablo Prichard

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

A few days after laser hair removal, the hairs that were in the follicle start to pop out.  It does not matter if these are removed.  If you plucked some hairs that were not ready to come out, don't worry.  The hair will regrow and will be treated with your next laser session.  In between treatments, you can cut the hairs or shave, but do not pluck, thread or wax.  Remember to avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation in the treated areas.

Laser hair removal on upper lip 2 days ago. I plucked some hairs that were already starting to show. Did I make it worse?

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Answer: Laser hair removal

Answer: Laser hair removal

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Laser hair removal on upper lip 2 days ago. I plucked some hairs that were already starting to show. Did I make it worse?

Answers (4)

Answer: Laser hair removal

Answer: Laser hair removal

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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.