I'm an African American woman with lupus and chin har. Would I be a candidate for laser hair removal? (Photo)

Question

I have chin acne from tweezing BID. I'm also a MRS carrier.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have laser hair removal. In darker skin tones, diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement. Please see an expert for an evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent A. Naman, MD · Answer

First of all, you have a wonderful complexion and I personally do not notice the chin hair in the photograph. Since it bothers you, I would like to give some insight on Laser Hair Removal for darker skin tones.
Lasers are effective for laser hair removal because of the hair’s ability to absorb light. When skin is dark in tone (olive complexion and darker), the high amounts of melanin in the skin tend to absorb the light at a higher rate – more so than the hair that is supposed to be targeted during a laser removal treatment. As a result, patients with darker complexions run a higher risk of burning, blistering, or discoloration on the skin, not to mention mediocre results.
It is imperative that where ever you decide to get your LHR, they must have the tools required for safe and effective hair removal treatments on a variety of skin types. Please speak with the Aesthetician beforehand or schedule a skin consultation (most are free). If lasers do not work, waxing may be another option for you.
Thank you for having the courage to ask your question on RealSelf.
 I hope that my answer helps in your plastic surgery journey.  Best Regards, Dr. Naman.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. In my
office, I like to use alexandrite lasers for lighter skinned individuals and
the YAG laser for ethnic, tanned and darker skinned clients. YAG laser is safer
for darker skin as it is highly effective. However, I recommend you see an
expert in laser hair removal to determine the best treatment plan for you. All
the best!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo – and yes, you are a candidate for laser hair removal when performed by an expert. You need to have your LE stable and if so, there should be no concerns with the lupus.  There are many lasers out there and we use the most appropriate ones based on skin color and hair color and density.  You will do just fine with the 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser in the proper hands.  Good luck.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. In my
office, I like to use alexandrite lasers for lighter skinned individuals and
the YAG laser for ethnic, tanned and darker skinned clients. YAG laser is safer
for darker skin as it is highly effective. However, I recommend you see an
expert in laser hair removal to determine the best treatment plan for you. All
the best!

Reza Akef, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.Yes but the technician should be very expert in how to do the setting as the risk of burn or change in pigmentation is higher in people with dark skin.i would suggest you to see an expert physician for an individual consult first.

Laurene DiPasquale, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal can easily be done on women of color.  I have done many cases with great outcomes.  Make sure you seek out somebody with significant experience in laser hair removal on all types of skin.  He or she will take a complete medical history to make sure there aren't any issues which will increase your risk, like medications and topical creams.  Regards, Dr. D.

Manu B. Aggarwal, MD · Answer

Unfortunately it is a common myth that darker skin types cannot have laser hair reduction. However it is very safe for dark skin types to have hair removal with the ND:YAG laser (only). African-American men as well as women (more so men) and other ethnic backgrounds with darker skin can have ingrown hairs due to the curly nature of the hair. This is called pseudofolliculitis barbae.  Once the hair is treated and reduced, the discoloration goes away. Laser hair reduction in patients with lupus is also safe. Your provider will want to review any medications that you were on to a sure you will not have any sensitivity with the laser as well. Typically I have seen patients on biologic medications such as plaquinel have a little bit more sensitivity with the laser and require lower settings. I will also tell you that facial hair is the most difficult, and that it grows a lot faster than any other hair on the body and requires typically more treatments then any other place on the body. Often times electrolysis is combined with laser hair removal for the face because it is very effective. In addition, there is a potential for more hair growth  on the face if proper cooling techniques are not used in the areas on the face not being treated for hair reduction. Please see a good example of hair reduction in an AA woman in our before/after gallery. Also it will be important for you to seek treatment with a provider who is comfortable with darker skin types.

Fadi Nukta, MD · Answer

Dear Karla, It is very common for African American skin types to develop post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (scarring/pigment), as well as ingrown hair in that area. Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for Laser Hair Removal due to the possibility of complications such as; hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation that can occur for darker skin types. Other options to remove unwanted hair in that area include Dermaplaning (this method will not remove the hair from the follicle, therefore will not cause irritation or ingrown hairs to the treated area).

P. Alexander Ataii, MD- Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, you can have laser hair removal. For a patient such as yourself with a darker skin tone, I would recommend using a yag laser. Also keep in mind, it typically takes multiple sessions before you start to see improvement.  My advice is to schedule a consultation with a professional for an evaluation.  Best of luck.  -Dr. Ataii

I'm an African American woman with lupus and chin har. Would I be a candidate for laser hair removal? (Photo)

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Answers (10)

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