A discussion of Laser Hair Removal by John Keller M.D. Ph.D., Board Certified Laser Physician of Toronto Ontario.

Many patients ask about the need for test spots prior to treatment. Many non-medical spas advertise that they do these for free, and suggest they are vital for better results. In fact, there are several published articles in peer-reviewed journals that demonstrate test-spotting really is of little use. This is because patients often will develop mild side effects like hyperpigmentation or crusting, which always resolve, even after several treatments at the same laser settings. They are unpredicatable. At our clinic we only test spot type 6 skin. In other cases, using moderate settings, and carefully monitoring the first treatment is the best route to safe, effective treatment.

Patients often ask why we recommend that they are not tanned when they undergo laser hair removal. Many spas claim to have "lasers" that allow patients to be treated when tanned. The simple truth is that it is always best if you have been sun free for at least 8 - 12 weeks prior to laser hair removal. This is because all laser and light systems target the pigment in the hair, melanin, to destroy it. When you tan you increase the melanin in your skin as well, and the laser can target the skin as well. No matter what laser is used, the energy must be turned down, compared to tan free skin, and the risk of complications greatly increase. Tan free equal better, safer results, period.