Can I still do the laser hair removal if I have a huge pimple in the bikini area?

Question

i have started doing the laser because my doctor told me thatit is the only way to fix my problem , and the problem is that the hair can never grow normally in the bikini area , its always under skin . i have done almost 5 sessions till now , my question is should i continue , the pimples are not going away and is it okay to go over the pimple with the laser device

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that your treatment is not really showing you results that you were hoping for. After 5 sessions there should have been a noticeable reduction in hair growth and therefore, less of a chance for ingrown hair or pimple to develop.
It's never a good idea to have any laser treatments done in the area where there is active inflammation or irritation and that includes pimples. I would advise that you try to gently exfoliate and see if tha cause is an ingrown hair and wait for the redness to disappear before having your next treatment done. You do not want to risk getting burned.
I would also recommend that you try a different laser if you won't see much improvement after 6 sessions. You may consider different laser company or simply a different laser energy type. My office has 4 different lasers  just for laser hair removal and we tailor treatments to suite each patient's needs based on the area to be treated, hair type and color and their skin tone. Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Avaliani

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend you have this evaluated by a dermatologist. You may need antibiotic or other treatments to treat the folliculitis. Laser hair removal is a great procedure for removing hair permanently and preventing ingrown hairs and folliculitis. Please consult with an expert in laser hair removal to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The best way to treat folliculitis is with laser hair removal. It is fine to treat over an ingrown hair. I usually see rapid improvement with this problem. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you consult a board certified dermatologist to examine you since you may need treatment for the folliculitis such as antibiotics or other treatments.  Laser hair removal works extremely well on removing the hairs permanently and preventing ingrown hairs and folliculitis.  Please consult an expert in laser hair removal for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Douglas Halliday, PhD, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi D.T.- great question.  Sounds like you suffer from frequent ingrown hairs.  Laser hair removal (with the right laser wavelength, correct spot size and adjusted energy settings) can be very effective in reducing hair growth over time and thus reducing the problem of ingrown hair.

As for treatment and ingrown hairs... your licensed aesthetician or laser technician should be able to help extract the ingrown hairs that you have at the time of treatment in addition to providing you with laser services.

Most clients require ~8 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart on the bikini area due to the hair growth cycle on the lower part of your body.

Hope that helps, Dr. Halliday

Can I still do the laser hair removal if I have a huge pimple in the bikini area?

Answers (5)