Before administering laser treatment for hair removal, it is important to take into account certain factors from the patient’s medical history. These are some considerations to take into account before the procedure. Patients with sudden or excessive onset of hirsutism or hypertrichosis should be evaluated for underlying causes, especially in non-clinical settings where underlying conditions may go unnoticed. Laboratory tests such as total and free testosterone and serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) may be performed to evaluate the presence of an underlying cause.
Patients with a history of keloids should be warned about the increased risk of scarring, and treatment settings may need to be adjusted accordingly. Patients with a history of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation following trauma or inflammation must be identified and considered for prophylaxis against herpes simplex virus (HSV) if necessary. Pregnant women should not receive any elective laser treatments, as per most authorities.
It is recommended that patients avoid tanning the treatment area for several months before and after the session. Hydroquinones may be used on some skin types prior to treatment, and patients should diligently apply sunblock. Patients with vitiligo should be warned about possible increased pigment loss with laser treatment. Diabetic patients may experience delayed wound healing if any epidermal burns occur.
Patients must also be informed about the potential side effects of laser hair treatment, which include hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Cooling methods can be used to minimize the risk of epidermal damage, which may occur due to the absorption of light by melanin chromophores in the epidermis and hair follicle.
After a thorough discussion of all risks and benefits, the patient should provide signed informed consent before treatment. It is important to minimize the side effects of laser hair treatment, and precautions should be taken to prevent any adverse reactions.
