Laser Hair Removal For Pilonidal Cysts

When it comes to painful, private skin conditions, pilonidal cysts have to rank near the top of the list. These swellings show up at the base of the spine, and are extremely difficult to heal. Laser hair removal for pilonidal cysts can offer relief by preventing reoccurrence of this uncomfortable condition.

Traditionally, pilonidal cysts are treated with surgery to drain them or an excision that removes the entire cyst, leaving a deep wound with a long recovery time. Using laser hair removal therapy, pilonidal cysts are deprived of the conditions that allow them to form in the first place, helping to prevent them.

A Short Guide to Pilonidal Cysts

What Are Pilonidal Cysts?

A pilonidal cyst is a pocket or sac that develops over the tailbone area, usually at the top of the buttocks cleft. It can be very uncomfortable to sit or walk with a pilonidal cyst, especially if left untreated for a long time.

What Causes Pilonidal Cysts?

These cysts develop when hair, excess keratin, and dead skin cells collect and block hair follicles, similarly to ingrown hairs in other parts of the body. The resulting cysts are usually located right where the cleft of the buttocks begins, at the bottom of the tailbone. Over time, a pilonidal cyst may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as:

• Swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain
• Drainage of fluid or blood via rupture or surgical intervention
• Infection due to bacteria invading the cyst, potentially leading to a fever

Who Is at Risk for Pilonidal Cysts?

Adolescents and young adults who spend a lot of time sitting are the most likely group to develop pilonidal cysts. Pressure on the skin over the tailbone, sweat in the crease of the buttocks, and friction caused by excess hair create the perfect environment for a pilonidal cysts to form.

Treatment for Pilonidal Cysts

Pilonidal cysts are a painful and often recurring condition that can significantly and negatively impact your daily life. Traditional treatment for these cysts has typically been surgical intervention, either to drain the cyst or cut it out completely.

Surgery and antibiotics don’t do much to prevent cysts from recurring, however. You can experience severe pain after surgery, and your chance of getting another pilonidal cysts in or near the same location is as much as 30%.

The Role of Hair in Pilonidal Cysts

Excess hair, ingrown hairs, or folliculitis in the area of the tailbone and the upper crease of your buttocks can increase your chances of developing a pilonidal cysts. Removing hair from the crease of the buttocks can help lower the risk of pilonidal cyst development.

Unfortunately, most hair removal methods for pilonidal cysts don’t last long, can be painful, and may even complicate the situation. This is why laser hair removal is becoming a common solution for pilonidal cysts.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal uses precise wavelengths of light to target the melanin pigment in the hair shafts. As the light travels down the hair shaft, it transforms to heat and hits the hair follicle with a tiny burst of energy, effectively disabling the follicle and preventing future hair growth.

There are two main types of hair removal lasers: Alexandrite and Nd:YAG. Different lasers are more appropriate for different skin tones.

Alexandrite lasers work quickly and efficiently on people with fair skin, leaving the treated area very close to hair free after a minimum of 8 sessions. In contrast, Nd:YAG lasers use a different wavelength of light that helps reduce the risk of energy dissipating into melanin pigment in the skin. This is a better option for people with darker skin tones, who could get burns or blisters from an Alexandrite laser.

At SEV Laser we use dual laser machines that include handheld devices for each type of laser for safety and comfort that is inclusive of all skin tones.

Laser Hair Removal for Pilonidal Cyst Prevention

Can laser hair removal “cure” pilonidal cysts? Not exactly, but studies show it can help significantly reduce the risk of new ones forming.

You’ll have to wait for inflammation to subside to undergo treatment, but the cysts typically form around blocked hair follicles, which makes laser hair removal a powerful preventive option.

Before, During, and After Treatment

Before and after laser hair removal sessions, you’ll need to stop using any medications or topicals containing retinoids, and not expose the area being treated to direct sunlight or tanning beds for two weeks. Self-tanner is off limits as well, as your skin must be at its natural skin tone.

Around 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, you should shave the area so the laser can easily travel to the root of the hair. If you cannot reach the area, we can use an electric razor to trim the hair to the correct length. The treatment site should be healthy and uninflamed, so previous cysts should be addressed prior to laser therapy.

Your provider will use the correct laser device to deliver pulses of light to hair follicles in the target area. Each pulse of energy will be immediately followed by a burst of cold air from our skin cooling system.

After your session, you may feel a little tender, and there may be some mild redness or swelling. This is normal. Try to avoid sitting for long periods of time after your session so there’s not a lot of direct pressure on the area. If you must sit, a properly adjusted donut cushion might help.

You can use soft cold gel packs, neutral soothing creams, or aloe vera to alleviate any discomfort. If you experience a burning feeling or intense pain during or after your session, make sure to tell us -and we’ll stop and adjust the laser so you’re more comfortable.

Laser hair removal sessions are typically scheduled every 4 weeks for the first 4 sessions (the 4×4 method) and may be spaced out a little more afterwards. Consistency is key to achieving the necessary hair clearance to prevent future cysts.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Pilonidal Cysts

Laser hair removal offers several advantages over traditional methods of hair removal or pilonidal cyst treatment.

• Minimal Side Effects: Temporary redness or irritation may occur after laser hair removal, but these after effects usually subside within hours.
• Minimal Downtime: Unlike surgery, laser treatments have a very short and much less painful downtime compared to repeated surgeries caused by recurring cyst formation.
• Long-Term Results: Laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution, ensuring smoothness for much longer than shaving or waxing.
• Prevention of Recurrence: By disabling hair growth in the affected area, laser hair removal treatment reduces the risk of future pilonidal cyst formation.
• Post-Surgery Laser: you can have laser hair removal sessions after pilonidal cyst surgery. You only have to wait until the surgical site heals, then you can proceed with preventive hair removal while you continue to recover.

Pilonidal Cyst Prevention Laser Hair Removal at SEV Laser

Laser hair removal has revolutionized pilonidal cyst management, significantly lowering chances of new cyst formation.

At SEV Laser, our nurses and laser technicians have the compassion and understanding needed to treat you with care and ensure your best results. We know that it can sometimes feel difficult to seek help for conditions like pilonidal cysts, but treatment can significantly improve your condition and quality of life. We’d be honored for the chance to help you.

At SEV, we believe in transparent pricing to improve the accessibility of these treatments. If you’re ready to enjoy smoother skin and greater comfort, book an appointment at SEV.