Safety and peace of mind are fundamental for anyone paying for a service. If you’re spending hard-earned money, you want to know the investment will provide both. And with laser hair removal, those two factors are of utmost importance. Anyone considering a hair-free journey wants to know safety will never be compromised. That point is significant for individuals with compromised skin. And today, the focus is on whether laser hair removal can be performed on someone who has skin cancer.

Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Skin Cancer? Debunking the Myth

If any risk is associated with a service, you want to do your research. And one common concern that needs to be addressed immediately is if laser hair removal causes skin cancer.

The answer is a resounding no. Laser hair removal energy emits non-ionized radiation, which impacts only the skin’s surface. Additionally, the wavelengths for laser hair removal are less energetic than the UV light that causes skin cancer.

And while laser hair removal does not cause cancer, that doesn’t diminish the importance of recognizing the actual signs of skin cancer. According to Cleveland Clinic, this can include the altered appearance of a mole or new growth on the skin like a mole or bump with an irregular border, crusty sores, or rough scaly lesions. 

Consider the ABCDE rule when assessing skin for cancer:

  • Asymmetry: Irregular shape
  • Border: Blurry or irregularly shaped edges
  • Color: Mole with more color than one
  • Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (like a pencil eraser)
  • Evolution: Enlarging and changing in shape and color
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...the wavelengths for laser hair removal are less energetic than the UV light that causes skin cancer.”

Can you get laser hair removal with a history of skin cancer?

Yes, you can get laser hair removal with a history of skin cancer as long as the area being treated has normal looking skin. And in order to make sure your skin is healthy and with no evidence of skin cancer, schedule an annual appointment with your dermatologist or doctor to assess the health of your skin. 

While there, they can assess any new blemishes or irregularities that may appear during a skin cancer screening. This assessment will examine moles by color, shape, and texture. You will also be asked about your health history and any new symptoms you might be experiencing.

When Laser Hair Removal Might Be Considered

An individual with skin cancer is no different from any other client interested in laser hair removal. Because as long as the skin appears normal, that client can likely enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal.

Any skin deemed cancerous or unusual-looking won’t be treated out of an abundance of caution. Assuming the area can be treated, it’s just like any other laser hair removal treatment.

The laser targets and destroys the hair follicle. With repeated treatments that occur every five weeks to begin the hair-free journey, clients will see results as soon as after the first treatment.

Smiling woman getting laser hair removal on her legs in a Milan clinic as an inset image for a blog post on laser hair removal and skin cancer

Ready To Book Your Free Consultation?

Your safety is our priority every step of the way. Whether or not skin cancer is part of your story, Milan Laser never compromises on care. With 380+ locations nationwide, book your free consultation and see why we’re the country’s largest laser hair removal provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, laser hair removal does not cause cancer. Laser hair removal is a safe, FDA-approved treatment that holds no risk of exposure to harmful ionizing radiation. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the laser energy used in laser hair removal treatments does NOT produce any ionizing radiation. It does NOT affect the body on a cellular level or affect DNA.

Possibly. While laser hair removal is safe and will not cause skin cancer, it is best to discuss with your healthcare team what is best for you.

It’s fine to get laser hair removal following a chemotherapy treatment for cancer. It’s best to wait three to six months after the conclusion of chemo to let your immune system and metabolism completely recover to get the best results possible.

**At Milan, no time frames are specified, and clients can resume LHR once they’ve completed chemo or radiation. This differs from many companies. And an oncologist may have advice**

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