Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underLaser Hair Removal q&a

How long should I wait to know if hypopigmentation after laser hair treatment will be permanent? (Photo)

BeautyhelpDec 13, 2017
I used a personal laser hair removal device with 475-1200nm. It seems I used a setting that was too high in an area of my legs. It scarred and healed just fine but what I found was that I was left with white spots where I had used the laser. It's now been 5 months since it occurred and the scars are still there. I have avoided the sun and used protective layering. Should I wait longer or is it time I head to the dermatologist for color correction?

Answers (3)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Jason Emer, MD profile photo
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.7 | 522 Reviews
Answered on Dec 15, 2017
Answer
🔗 Link
Tanveer Janjua, MD profile photo
Dr. Tanveer Janjua, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 273 Reviews
Answered on Dec 15, 2017
Answer
Dr. Michael H. Gold, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Answered on Dec 15, 2017
Answer

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Steven F. Weiner, MD

I don't care how careful you are with sunscreen, it won't be effective enough to prevent complications. I tell my patients that a 3 week window of no sun exposure on either side of the treatment is needed to avoid problems. The risk is PIH, particularly since you have a darker skin type by your ...

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Chris Lowery, DO

Hello, and thanks for your question. The reason why you don’t want to pluck or wax the hair that is being treated with laser hair removal is that these methods completely remove the hair from the follicle, leaving nothing for the laser to target. Thus, you’ll need to wait for the hair to gro...

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Jason Emer, MD

You should be fine having laser hair removal while taking metronidazole. Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best for hair removal. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. It will take a series of treatments and some p...

+1 answers
See all Laser Hair Removal Q&A
See more Laser Hair Removal Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE LASER HAIR REMOVAL GUIDE →