Is laser hair removal hygienic? Could someone contract STDs?

Question

I am under going laser hair removal at a Laser Center. I've only had one treatment, but after the first treatment I realized I forgot to ask about how the device is cleaned between patients. Is there any chance of STD transmission with the hand piece? How likely would it be for a herp germ to get in the crevice and transmit to a patient? How should I approach this conversation with my Laser Hair removal specialist? What type of cleaner is used for the device and will this cleaner kill STD viruses?

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  This is a good question. During laser hair reduction treatments, the only part of the hand piece that should be touching the skin is the "distance gauge". The distance gauge is used to distance the lenses precisely from the skin depending on the spot size being used. The distance gauge can easily be removed and sterilized in between treatments. This should be done in between each patient. With proper sterilization of distance gauges, the laser hair reduction treatment is hygienic, and should not cause anyone to contract STD's.

Is laser hair removal hygienic? Could someone contract STDs?

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