Is laser hair removal safe over a previous area that had surgery?

Question

I had a partial hysterectomy/uterus removed almost 2 years ago. They had to make an incision on my lower tummy. I'm now thinking about getting laser hair removal in the bikini area and it may be near the scar area. Will there be any problems? Would the laser aggravate any internal scar tissue?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser hair removal. As long as your scar is completely healed, laser hair removal treatments can be performed. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

HiThanks for your question. Laser Hair removal can be used safely over scar tissue so longs as its well healed. We recommend not to have treatment over the scared area for 1 year post surgery. Make sure you find an experience laser specialist to assess your suitability for treatment.Hope this helps

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal is safe to do near a scar as soon as the scar is completely healed.  The skin may be little more sensitive so I would be careful where you choose to have the procedure done, however don't let the scars stop you from getting it done.  The laser should not aggravate the scar or cause internal damage. Best of luck to you!

Garo Karakashian, MD · Answer

Excellent question - 
You can laser if they scar has healed fully. We recommend waiting up to a year or 18 months. 
Please make sure you are evaluated by a licensed medical professional prior to initiating your treatments to ensure your hair removal is effective and safe.

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Laser hair removal is absolutely safe around scar tissue. Be sure to schedule a consult with an experienced provider to ensure you are a good candidate. Best wishes!
Holly, RN

Mubina Shah, MD · Answer

Laser Hair removal is very safe around scar tissue.  In fact Aerolase Neo technology is used for scar reduction.  This treatment acan hel your hair and scar.

Pamela Stuart, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal can be done on or around any scar that has healed completely. In some cases, patients may have residual numbness around their scars and in these cases it is very important to not over treat the area when a patient does not feel “pain” in an area. This is why it is always important to find an experienced provider who can address any concerns and provide the correct treatment settings for your individual needs. Having said this, there is no reason you should not be able to have Laser hair removal in the areas you are wanting to treat if your provider feels that your hair is appropriate for treatment.Best wishes,Pamela Stuart, MD

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  Yes, you can safely do laser on areas of the skin that have previous surgical scarring.  The target of the laser is the melanin in the hair follicles, the energy is very superficial and does not effect the skin.  The follicles will definitely have to have pigment (color) in them in order to be successful in hair reduction and it will be a series of treatments to resolve the hair follicles.Good Luck!

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Laser hair removal is very safe around scars tissue.  In fact, the laser can help improve the scars.  Best wishes!

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Is laser hair removal safe over a previous area that had surgery?

Answers (9)

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