Is It Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal Where There is a Mole?

Question

I am considering laser hair removal for my underarms, but I have a mole on my underarm, would I need to remove my mole before Laser Hair removal or is it ok to do the laser hair removal on the area where I have a mole?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Once your dermatologist confirms the nature of the mole, laser hair removal should be acceptable to the area. If it's a brown mole, it may burn, or fade. You could also consider IPL Permanent Hair Removal. When we treat an area with a mole, we put a small piece of white paper over the mole so it remains unaffected.
I hope this is helpful for you.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

If the mole looks suspicious and there is some concern of it being cancerous, then the mole should be biopsied prior to doing any procedure.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If the mole is benign, laser hair removal has not been reported to transform such a mole into a malignant, or cancerous one.  If any mole though, changes in size, bleeds, develops irregular edges, or different colors at any time in the future it should be looked at by  a dermatologist.  Your mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist before the laser hair removal to give you reassurance.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

If it has been 10 years then I doubt that color will ever return to your mole. I would advise you to look into permanent make up and have it re-tattooed with original color. Good luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Anytime there are moles in a laser treatment area, one needs to be careful. If the mole has been examined and documented by a board-certified dermatologist, one should have no worries. If the dermatologist is concerned, removal of that lesion may be warranted. If the area is treated without anyone checking, and something happens years from now, it will be difficult to know if the laser played any kind of role in that lesion changing.  Documentation is a must – and a board-certified dermatologist needs to be the one looking at this.

Is It Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal Where There is a Mole?

Answers (7)

Answer: I would advise you to look into permanent make up and have it re-tattooed with original color.

Answer: I would advise you to look into permanent make up and have it re-tattooed with original color.

Answer: Board-Certified Dermatologist Should Examine Mole before Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Board-Certified Dermatologist Should Examine Mole before Laser Hair Removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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Is It Safe to Have Laser Hair Removal Where There is a Mole?

Answers (7)

Answer: I would advise you to look into permanent make up and have it re-tattooed with original color.

Answer: I would advise you to look into permanent make up and have it re-tattooed with original color.

Answer: Board-Certified Dermatologist Should Examine Mole before Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Board-Certified Dermatologist Should Examine Mole before Laser Hair Removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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