Search by City / State

Does laser hair removal cause scarring?

Dr. Bernstein Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center
   Scarring risk is generally small
   Knowledge and experience of provider is critical
   Some temporary pigment changes are possible

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.

Last Modified: Febuary 21, 2008



For more specific information, visit: bikini hair removal, facial hair removal, underarm hair removal, back hair removal, leg hair removal, chest and abdominal hair removal, arm hair removal, laser hair removal costs, laser news or our FAQs.

Locate a Laser Hair Removal Specialist near you to answer questions about your specific case:

Zip Code:   

Frequently Asked Questions

  What is Laser Hair Removal?
  What is melanin?
  What are the different types of lasers used for hair
   removal?
  What is photoepilation?
  Will laser hair removal work for me?
  What is 'home laser hair removal'?
  What are the advantages of laser hair removal?
  What are limitation/disadvantages of laser hair
   removal?
  How much does it cost?
  Does laser hair removal hurt?
  What areas can be treated with laser?
  Does it cause scarring?
  How fast is laser hair removal?
  How many treatments are needed?
  Does the hair grow back?
  What are some pre-treatment instructions?
  What are some post-treatment instructions?
  Are there any side-effects?
  How does skin color affect the results?
  Does hair color have any impact?
  What are the effects of tanning on laser hair removal
   results?
  Does diet have an impact on the treatment?
  How to assess a laser hair removal facility?
  Questions to ask your physician before the treatments
  Is laser hair removal covered by insurance?
  What to expect during the laser hair removal
   procedure?
  What is Pseudofolliculitis?
The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.