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Will Vaginal Laser Hair Removal Cause Redness, Swelling, Bumps and Itching? (photo)

I had my first Brazilian laser treatment done almost 30 days ago. Since then I've experienced a lot of itching and swelling and small raised bumps especially after I shave. Its almost unbearable. I've been to the doctor twice and all results come back negative for STD's, infections, etc. Except she did notice a large amount of white blood cells and gave me an antibiotic. I have dark hair and light skin. Also, I've noticed an increased amount of ingrown hairs since this treatment.

Doctor Answers 6

Laser Hair Removal Brazilian

October 8th, 2012
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Yes you can have itchiness and swelling the first few treatments,  It is very common to have redness as a side effect. It should last a couple days, you can use aloe vera to soothe it and take down the inflammation Shaving will irritate the area.with continued laser treatments you get. you will have less ingrown hairs. if this persist i would follow up with your dr. it could be a underling issue.

"Dr.D"

Web reference: http://www.capefearaesthetics.com/details/med+spa-20/

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD


Fayetteville Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 101 reviews

Laser Hair Removal

January 31st, 2012
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This common for first treatments.  A mild first treatment is the best way to avoid this reaction.  We try to increase energy as the hair population is thinned.

Web reference: http://www.facebook.com/elitemdspa

Vivek Bansal, MD

Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 22 reviews

Inflammation post Brazilian laser hair removal.

April 21st, 2016
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The greater the contrast between skin and hair colour the better the result.  You are the ideal candidate  Inflammation is expected post laser hair removal with redness, itchiness and mild swelling.  The laser injures the hair follicle causing swelling that results in small bumps. The ingrown hairs are more likely attributable to shaving rather than the laser.

Web reference: https://www.bramptoncosmetic.com/non-surgical-procedures/laser-hair-removal/

Robert Sleightholm, MD

Robert Sleightholm, MD
Brampton Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 9 reviews

Provider Should Examine Vaginal Laser Hair Removal Bumps

October 29th, 2014
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I think it is important that the physician sees this – and addresses it the best way possible. A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is the most knowledgeable physician for this kind of concern. It is not unheard of to have itching and some bumps in this area following laser hair removal, and this should be less and less with every treatment you have. Shaving in the area can definitely affect this, so make sure you are shaving with a sensitive skin shaving gel and new razors to minimize this. Also I would recommend a mild cortisone cream if needed.

Web reference: http://goldskincare.com/laser-hair-removal-nashville-tn/

Michael Gold, MD

Michael Gold, MD
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon
3.9 out of 5 stars 17 reviews

Itching

January 29th, 2012
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It is hard to say without seeing you what exactly is going on. We instruct our patients not to shave much between laser hair removal treatments. The laser treatment itself does not produce in grown hairs. Actually it helps that problem. You need to contact your doctor about this (hopefully you are going to a physician's office for the hair removal)

Michael Hueneke, MD

Brazilian Bikini laser Hair Removal

April 8th, 2013
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A possible reason for this experience may be tha some hair was left on the skin and not completely shaved prior to the treatment. The laser energy should be absorbed by the root of the hair in order for a treatment to be safe and effective. Hair on the surface of the skin can cause irritation and can make the process less effective. The other issue might be the laser that was used, Alexandrite is safe and effective for light to medium skin and a long pulsed nd yag is most effective for dark skin.  IPL often results in skin irritation. Waxing is the real culprit in problems with hair removal of intimate areas. 

Web reference: http://www.bluewaterspa.com/laser-hair-what-to-look-for.html

Michael Law, MD

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 112 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.