Patient Education
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Treatment Areas
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  • Laser Hair Removal
  • How much does it cost?
  • TRIA Laser Hair Removal-At Home
  • Home Laser Hair Removal
  • Does the hair grow back?
  • Does laser removal hurt?
  • Does it cause scarring?
  • How many treatments?
  • Tan Skin/People of Color
  • Alternatives
  • IPL
  • Hair Removal Issues & Scams
  • Choosing a Doctor
  • Doctor Qualifications
  • Am I Good Candidate?
  • Find a Laser Hair
    Removal Specialist
     
    Before & After Photos
    Who's Behind
    Your Laser?
    ...it matters
    [Learn Why]
    Hair Removal Journal is a public resource brought to you by The Patient’s Guide. The purpose is to provide patients interested in hair removal a credible resource to research laser hair removal, including costs associated with the procedure, the number of treatments that will be needed, how to choose a doctor, and other frequently asked questions.
    >>More About the Patient's Guide

    Does laser hair removal cause scarring?

  • Risk is Rather Small
  • Temporary Pigmentary Changes
  • Experienced Operators Diminish Risk
  • Risk is Rather Small

    Any laser procedure can cause scarring, and this is included as a risk on most consent forms you will sign prior to laser treatment. However, the risk of scarring from laser hair removal is rather small and is a function of many things including:
    • The experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator
    • Your particular ability to heal
    • The amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types
    • Type of laser used

    Temporary Pigmentary Changes

    Many people experience pigmentary changes, either lightening of the skin or darkening of skin, following a laser procedure. Most of time this is not scarring, even though people often believe that it is. Pigmentary changes following laser procedures are usually resolve in a period of weeks to months.

    Experienced Operators Diminish Risk

    Although the risk of scarring from a laser procedure is quite small, you can minimize your risk by selecting an experienced operator to perform your laser treatment who is supervised by an on-site physician.

     Find a Laser Hair Removal Specialist
     
     
    Videos
    Eric F Bernstein, MD, discusses the possible complications of laser hair removal
    How Did Treatment
    ChangeYOUR
    86% Life?
    of reviews werePositive
       (43 reviews)

     make sure they have the right laser

    I was a real life teddy bear. I had a very thick covering of...[more]
    Clearwater, FL Dec 28, 2009

     Finally I'm Not Self Conscious Anymore

    I had really bad sideburns my whole life, and as a woman, th...[more]
    El Paso, TX Dec 16, 2009

     Happy with Treatment so Far

    I absolutely hate shaving my legs every day, but I hate havi...[more]
    San Antonio, TX Dec 15, 2009
    Write a Review
    Ask The Doctor
    Q: How to assess a laser hair removal facility?

    Before opting for a treatment, it is always a good idea... [Read More]

    Q: What is Photoepilation?
    Photoepilation destroys the hair follicle using controlled... [Read More]
    Q: How Effective is Laser Hair Removal for women with Polycystic Ovaries...
    Laser hair removal can be quite effective for patients with... [Read More]
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