Laser treatment before surgery?

Question

I'm scheduled for a mommy makeover on 12/7 and have been having hair laser removal treatments. I have an appt scheduled for Tuesday and I heard that you shouldn't have laser treatment within a month of surgery. Is this true? I don't want to have it if it's going to be counterproductive to my surgery.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Flgirl,    The laser hair removal per se should not be a problem for getting it before mommy make over surgery, especially when done on the legs or arms. When done on the pubic area it is more of a concern. The reason for the concern is local infection due to injury from the lasing procedure. If you had the procedure before without any complications and you trust the technician, you can do it up to 2 weeks before the mommy make over surgery, just, so you are on the safe side. If you have to cancel surgery on a short notice due to complication from the laser, you will have to , most likely,  pay cancellation fee. So better be safe than sorry.   Another important issue is combination surgeries of mommy make over. According to a recent article in the plastic surgery journal, combining tummy tuck with other surgeries, increases the severe complication rate significantly. It is more so when combining 2 painful surgeries like tummy tuck and breasts augmentation. That is mainly, because patients over estimate their ability to recover quickly from these procedure and end up in bed for long time without ambulating or drinking fluids (so they will not have to get up to the bathroom). This can result in severe complications like blood clots, pneumonia etc. Additionally, surgeon's fatigue from long surgery can have a negative impact on the final outcome.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent, attractive and natural looking. Check also the 'realself' reviews for positive experience reports.                     Best of luck,                                      Dr Widder

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Since I think it's always best to err on the side of caution, I would advise you to postpone your laser hair removal session until after you've healed. Unless the area being layered is not the same as the area being operated on. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

As long as the laser treatment is not in the operative area and that you will not have skin irritation or infection (folliculitis) you should be fine. Best to call your plastic surgeon for advice.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It probably would be wise to stagger laser treatment by a couple weeks prior to mommy makeover. Laser hair removal can trigger folliculitis which is a very modest localized infection or inflammation of the hair follicle.

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

Hello,make sure to avoid lasering any areas where incisions of planned surgery will lie.  for instance, avoid pubic area laser hair removal as a portion of the tummy tuck incision falls there.  elsewhere, lasering should be OK

Laser treatment before surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser hair removal treatment before mommy makeover.

Answer: Laser hair removal treatment before mommy makeover.

Answer: Avoid areas where incisions are placed

Answer: Avoid areas where incisions are placed

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Laser treatment before surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser hair removal treatment before mommy makeover.

Answer: Laser hair removal treatment before mommy makeover.

Answer: Avoid areas where incisions are placed

Answer: Avoid areas where incisions are placed

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.