More Tips From Dermatologists
The dermatologists we polled had the following advice for their peers:
Laser hair removal appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for adolescent hidradenitis patients. This has greatly increased the amount of laser hair removal treatments I perform as a pediatric dermatologist over the past 5 years.—Craig Burkhart, MD, MS, MPH (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Curbing unrealistic expectations is essential. It isn't magic. You won't have silky smooth, hairless skin after 1 treatment, or 2, or maybe ever. Discoloration, dyspigmentation, and scarring are possible. Making all of that clear in advance—in writing—will preempt 95% of postoperative complaints and angry phone calls.—Joseph Eastern, MD (Belleville, New Jersey)
In some states, laser hair removal is performed in medical spas without any dermatologist supervision. The lasers used in laser hair removal can be very harmful if used by nonphysicians who are not supervised.—Lawrence J. Green, MD (Washington, DC)
About This Survey
The survey was fielded electronically to Cutis Editorial Board Members within the United States from January 7, 2019, to January 29, 2019. A total of 26 usable responses were received.