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!

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

Answers (10)

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

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

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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

Answers (10)

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

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

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: 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.