Do I have to cancel my laser hair removal appointment if I got a little sun 3 days before?

Question

I have my 5th treatment on my upper lip on Thursday morning. This afternoon, Monday, I spent an unplanned 20-30 minutes outdoors, exposed to the sun. I was not wearing any sunscreen as I knew I would be indoors in the office all day. I don't want to cancel the appointment as I have obvious new hairs in the growth phase and would hate to miss this phase. But I don't want to risk damaging my skin either. Can I proceed with my appointment despite the sun exposure today?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your provider to see what they suggest. 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. See an expert in laser hair removal for best results. Best, Dr. Emer

Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD, FACOG · Answer

You should reschedule your appointment, It is very important that the treatment area is not exposed to the sun for 14 days before your treatment, any amount of sun exposure can increase the absorption of the laser light which could increase the chances of a burn or hyperpigmentation.  I would advise staying out of the sun and wearing a physical block sunscreen throughout the duration of your treatment.

Douglas J. Fife, MD · Answer

It is best if you haven’t had any sun exposure prior to your laser hair removal treatment. This is because you will run the risk of getting hyperpigmentation. Laser hair removal should be done when you are at your base skin tone. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after your treatment.

Ingrid Trenkle, MD · Answer

I would also recommend seeing your provider as it will be easier to see in person. Typically you don't want to treat any recently sun exposed areas due to chance of pigmenting the skin. If the sun exposure was very minimal it may still be ok to treat.

Stewart T. Cayton, MD, FACS · Answer

You should definitely postpone your appointment. As the laser will be targeting pigment in your hair, it can (and will) target the new dark pigment in your skin as well and may very well result in burns to your skin.
Best of luck!
Dr. Cayton

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For laser hair removal, the laser main target is melanin. If you are tan, you are at increased risk of burns as the laser will also target your skin melanin. Some devices, can treat all year long, even on tan skin.  However, the energy of the laser will have to be decreased to avoid complications and you may need more sessions for optimal results. I suggest contacting your laser hair removal provider. All the best, Dr.Michon

LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Do I have to cancel my laser hair removal appointment if I got a little sun 3 days before?

Answers (6)

LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU