Following cancer treatment, it’s normal to wonder if laser hair removal is safe for cancer patients. There is plenty of research backing the safety and efficacy of laser hair removal, and it can have benefits for those who have experienced cancer. Cancer does not always cause hair loss in the ways we want, and laser hair removal can help you regain your sense of control while increasing your self-esteem.

Laser hair removal for cancer survivors can be a part of maintaining your appearance following a struggle with your health. If you are seeking to restore normalcy after cancer, treatment at one of our SEV laser studios can provide a comfortable, affirming experience.

Understanding Hair Growth Changes After Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia, or CIA, can affect areas all over your body, depending on the type of treatment. Radiation therapy may cause more rapid and long-term hair loss, while others may only experience mild thinning that recovers quickly.

Hair growth typically resumes once treatment is over. Following this period of hair loss, your hair may grow back differently. It may change in color or texture, only making the situation more inconvenient to navigate, especially when it comes to body hair.

Cancer can cause many hair growth issues, reducing and changing the hair on your scalp while leaving body hair unaffected or scraggly. This inconsistent growth pattern may make you uneasy to leave it, even if you previously did not mind your body hair.

Another considerable issue among cancer survivors is the matter of hair-growth solutions for the scalp causing hair growth in other areas. No matter the reason for wanting the hair removed, male and female cancer survivors can benefit from laser hair removal, and treatments accumulate over time to provide better results.

Laser hair removal for cancer survivors is a more permanent solution for unwanted hair, with fewer side effects than treatments you’ve experienced before.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Cancer Survivors

Certain cancer treatments can lead to complete hair loss and regrowth, and the appearance of your hair may not be the same. This is difficult enough with the hair on your scalp, but your new body hair might be an unexpected development.

Removing the hair might be your first urge, and temporary measures like shaving might work for a time. However, as you recover and your hair begins to come in fully, you’ll likely begin thinking about the future.

Laser hair removal for cancer survivors has many benefits, helping you get rid of hair in the short term and deter future growth in areas where you want hair reduction. By planning sessions and investing in your appearance, you can look forward to increased confidence and control over your body.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Cancer Survivors

Cancer treatment can cause your skin to become sensitive to temperature, irritants, and pain. This is why it’s important to seek hair removal methods that reduce inflammation. Shaving and waxing cause side effects like irritation and ingrown hairs, but laser hair removal with the right system can be gentler on your skin.

At SEV Laser locations, our nurses are trained to use the Candela GentleMax Pro or Cynosure Elite iQ platforms according to each patient’s needs. These use two types of adjustable lasers to ensure a skin-safe and effective treatment, with a compatible cooling device for patient comfort.

Comprehensive Laser Hair Removal Experience

Customizing Treatments for Sensitive Post-Cancer Skin

Post-cancer skin can be sensitive to sun exposure and other irritants. As long as it has been 6 months since you’ve been on immunosuppressants, laser hair removal is a safe option for recovered cancer patients. However, treatments should not be performed on areas with active inflammation.

To ensure a comfortable treatment and recovery, our qualified nurses and laser technicians at SEV test your skin prior to treatment. We also ask that you fill out a consent form online before your appointment. Please review it carefully to ensure you’re a safe candidate for treatment.

Gentle Settings and Approaches

Depending on your skin phototype, you might require treatment with a different laser and intensity. Our nurses have training to evaluate your skin and adjust the laser platform to suit your needs.

They also use a cooling feature that gusts air over the skin before and after the laser passes. This lowers the temperature of your skin and reduces side effects caused by inflammation.

Long-Term Maintenance and Follow-Up Care

Multiple laser hair removal sessions are required to disable hair follicles, though this process may be faster following cancer treatments. Following laser hair removal, you may only need occasional touch-up sessions to maintain your results.

However, patients should be careful with their skin following treatment, especially those with skin cancer. Make sure to shield your skin from the sun with adequate fabric and sunscreen, and follow your nurse’s instructions regarding product use.

Timing Treatments After Chemotherapy and Radiation

Depending on what type of cancer treatment you’re receiving, you might experience different effects on your skin.

Chemotherapy can cause widespread inflammation, while targeted treatments and radiation therapy may cause more localized responses. The use of any immunosuppressants is also contraindicated for laser hair removal. In most cases, you’ll likely need to wait six months after completing your cancer treatment before you can undergo laser hair removal safely.

Specialists at SEV will determine whether you’re safe to get treated in the first place, but you should also discuss the matter with your doctor or dermatologist. Make sure to cancel appointments if you experience irritation near your intended treatment site.

Combining Laser Hair Removal with Skin Recovery Treatments

If you are not currently undergoing cancer treatment, you don’t have to worry as much about aggravating your skin. This makes it easier to combine laser hair removal with your recovery, though you should consider potential conflicts.

For example, you should discontinue the use of certain skin treatments leading up to and following your laser hair removal. This includes chemical exfoliants, retinoids, and tanning lotions.

Expected Results and Patience in the Process

You can expect some immediate hair loss from laser hair removal, but it can take some time for significant hair reduction results to emerge. Your nurses or technicians at SEV can help determine how many sessions you’ll need before you begin treatment, but we encourage you to have patience in the process.

At least six are necessary, and you might need more if the hair is thick and regrows repeatedly. Repeated exposure to the laser will eventually disable the follicle, leading to considerable hair reduction.

Gradual Improvement and Self-Care

As you begin seeing the full effect of your laser hair removal treatment, you might have mixed feelings.

Emotional support, self-care, and body image counseling can be valuable during this time, allowing you to embrace positive changes and enjoy your body as it exists now.

Cost Considerations and Potential Insurance Coverage

Cost is always a consideration at SEV, which is why we are fully transparent and flexible when it comes to pricing. Depending on your reasons for laser hair removal and your insurance plan, you might be able to ask for coverage.

This is something to be discussed with your provider, though the SEV staff can help you navigate the process if applicable.

Choosing a Provider Experienced with Post-Cancer Care

When choosing a laser hair removal provider, it’s important to seek one with experience treating people with your needs. At SEV Laser, our warm and compassionate staff are trained with their respective platforms and can answer questions and address concerns about your treatment.

With advanced laser systems, cooling features, and additional accommodations, we provide patients with an environment and experience they can take comfort in. This includes those with cancer, who can take control of hair loss with the help of laser hair removal treatment.

Seeking a SEV experience of your own? Schedule a consultation with a clinic that will care for you.