I have history of Keloid scarring. Can lazer hair removal work for me or will the Keloid scarring occur?
I do too. I have them all over my legs.
Unfortunately, I havent had laser just yet, so I really cant say if there is any danger. I have, however, encountered a clinic in ottawa that refuses to treat anyone with keloids. This place is run by nurses and there is almost never (if ever) an actual MD on site. If you go to an MD (dermatologist, hopefully) who performs laser, they are typically more confident about treating people with keloids than simple practioners or nurses.
I would seek advice from a reliable dermatologist, and base your decisions on their input.
[ October 13, 2002, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: hopeful ]
It’s very likely you will get keloids from laser or electrolysis. I would strongly urge you not to undertake any hair removal method that can have a permanent result (laser or electrolysis) unless under the supervision of a dermatologist, and after several test patches on inconsipicuous areas that are allowed to heal completely first.
I’d strongly recommend getting a test patch first, somewhere inconspicuous, just a zap or two.
There’s always some bumpiness, redness or irritation following a treatment. So, wait 2 weeks and see if it develops into any kind of permanent discoloration.
I was accidently burned during one of my treatments, and although I don’t keloid scar, I was left with rows of burns on the backs of my legs. They’re fading, but still slightly visable… 3 months after the treatment.
Ice helps me directly after a treatment… you might also want to bring some instant-activated ice packs, or ask the clinic to freeze some for you. Mine does, they’re great! It might minimize the chance for scarring.
Good luck!
I have never seen any keloiding from electrolysis however, if you are worried, better safe than sorry. For those with a propensity for keloiding, I give a very cold compress as keloiding is a reaction to inflammation/heat.
How do I know? Well, when I didn’t know any better, way back when I started electrolysis almost 2 decades ago, in a primarily black community, not one person keloided. Keloids can appear months after the inflammation and still, we never saw a single keloid in the area electrolysis was being administered.