Laser Hair Removal
Q:
I would like to know if they can use the laser hair removal treatment on black skin. I'm black but I have light skin and I wanted the hair removed from below my belly button on up to my breasts. It is so unattractive to have hair in those places.
A:
Laser hair removal is an excellent procedure for the removal of unwanted hair. The procedure works best with very dark hair and very light skin. The laser works by the absorption of light energy by the hair follicle, and the destruction of the follicle by the ensuing energy. The darker the skin, the more the interference with the transmission of the laser light energy through the skin and to the follicle. In addition, the darker the skin, the more the laser will have an effect on the melanocytes or pigment cells of the skin. This can lead to some discoloration to the treated skin. It is best to talk to your plastic surgeon about the capabilities of the laser that he or she uses for laser hair removal and the experience with "darker skin" individuals. He or she will be able to discuss other options with you.
Submit a Question
Submit your question below about any cosmetic procedure to be considered for posting with an answer from one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
If your question is about the cost of a procedure, click here (PDF). For referral to a qualified surgeon in your area, see find a surgeon or call 1.888.ASAPS.11 (1.888.272.7711).
All fields are required.
ASAPS Statistics: National Average for Surgeon Fees Per Procedure
Click here to download Surgeon Fees document (PDF). To save to your PC, right click on the link and select 'save target as' or 'save link as'.
You will need the Adobe Acrobate Reader plug-in to view some of these documents.
Note: ASAPS cannot give advice about specific medical problems nor should answers provided by responding surgeons be substituted for a personal medical/surgical consultation. Sorry we can't answer all questions. We try to select questions that have the widest general interest.