Would ingrown/sideways hairs be dug out before laser hair removal?

Question

I’m seriously considering getting laser hair removal as i’ve been struggling with excessive hair growth & ingrown hairs for years & i just wanted to know if the ingrown hairs are removed before the laser treatment. The hairs on my stomach, underneath my belly button grow sideways underneath the skin; as you can see them directly under the skin as if they’re “laying down”. They don’t usually curl under the skin, they just never make it to the top. Would these hairs be dug out before treatment?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The laser takes care of all the ingrown hairs for you. Please know that it will take a series of treatments to get improvement. I typically have patients do laser hair removal every 4 weeks for the first 3 sessions and then every 4 to 6 weeks for the following 3 sessions. This schedule gives great results with hair removal. Some patients do require treatments to maintain results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Before receiving a laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial to shave the hair prior to treating. You want to avoid ripping the hair from the root at least one month prior, so the laser is able to target the follicle. If the hairs have been plucked, waxed or threaded, the laser won't be able to target the root, resulting in an ineffective treatment. Laser Hair Removal is the most effective treatment for ingrown hair because it removes the source of the problem, the hair root/follicle.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

No, there is usually no digging out of hairs before laser hair removal.  The good news is that the laser is looking for the root bulb of the hair, which should be fairly close to the surface even if the hair is growing sideways.  optimum length of hair before laser hair removal is only a few mm above the surface so even if the hair is growing sidewise, as long as the proper beam length is selected for your skin type, it should be successful.  the key is to not pluck or do electrolysis but only surface shave before treatment.

Would ingrown/sideways hairs be dug out before laser hair removal?

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Would ingrown/sideways hairs be dug out before laser hair removal?

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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.