Is extremely dry lips a common side effect of laser hair removal on face?

Question

I have been doing laser hair removal on my face (Nd:yag). I am a south Asian female in my twenties. Lately I have noticed I get super chapped lips a couple of days after I get my face done. I am talking leathery dehydrated lips in the middle of summer. I am starting to suspect it is a side effect of when the laser operates on my upper lip. Is this a common side effect? Is it dangerous? Should I stop doing the treatment?

Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. If the dry lips go away after a few day and do not stay, I think you are fine to keep getting laser hair removal. You mentioned being of Asian descent which might be the reason you are experiencing this side effect as the laser is attracted to darker skin pigment. You can also discuss what is happening with your aesthetician and see what they recommend.Good luck!

Eddie Roos, MBChB · Answer

Having a dry lip after hair  removal is possible. It is not dangerous and  you can  continue  the  laser hair  removal. The laser light  is  attracted to the  brown pigment in the  hair and  because you are  of  Asian decent your  skin  will have  a bit more  brown pigment in it. This can cause the  dry  feeling you have. Changing the  treatment settings can help to reduce the  dryness. You  should also avoid sun exposure  prior to your  treatments to reduce  the  pigment in your  skin. 
Mention it to your  treating  physician and  they may  change the  settings  accordingly.

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Is extremely dry lips a common side effect of laser hair removal on face?

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