Is There a Reason That my Daughter Cannot Take Ampicillin While Receiving Laser Hair Removal?

Question

My daughter takes 500 mg ampicillin daily for acne.The laser hair removal spa where she has an appointment said that she had to stop the ampicillin for one month before the procedure. If stopped for a week, the acne begins to come back. Both my pharmacist and the nurse at the dermatologist's office said no need to discontinue ampicillin before the procedure because it does not cause photosensitivity. The spa aesthetician won't return my call to answer my question about the need to discontinue.

Ted Brezel, MD · Answer

The simple answer to your question is you do not need to stop Ampicillen prior to laser hair removal.  The larger question however that is raised by this piece of incorrect advice is that if the spa is misinformed about what needs to be avoided then who knows what else they are misinformed about.  It points to the issue that although the procedure can technically be perfomred by an aesthetician at a spa, is this really the best place to have your daughter treated.  Although laser hair removal can be performed safely there are risks of burning and scarring the skin.  I believe that you are best served by seeking care at a physician's office and one who is trained in aesthetic medicine such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

As you now know, ampicillin does not cause photosensitivity and therefore is safe to continue during laser hair removal treatments. I also recommend that you seek laser hair removal treatment for your daughter at a physician's office rather than at a hair removal spa.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Some (although very few!) medications do cause photosensitivity and need to be stopped prior to treatments. However, Ampicillin is not one of these. I think your daughter should pursue care at another office. Especially, quite simply, if the aesthetician isn't calling you back to answer your questions.... that's not a great sign of the care you are going to receive.

Is There a Reason That my Daughter Cannot Take Ampicillin While Receiving Laser Hair Removal?

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Is There a Reason That my Daughter Cannot Take Ampicillin While Receiving 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.