According to the Cleveland Clinic, pilonidal cysts are round sacs of tissue that are filled with air, fluid, or skin debris, usually caused by the presence of hair and inflammation. These cysts are located near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks.

Pilonidal cysts occur when hair punctures the skin and becomes embedded in the skin as an ingrown hair. Infected cysts can be a very painful experience.

Ingrown hairs are a big contributing factor to the discomfort of pilonidal cysts. However, other reasons for the formation of these cysts include:

• Friction from tight clothing
• Excess weight
• Ample, coarse body hair
• A dimple or pit in the tailbone area
• A family history of pilonidal cysts 

Laser Hair Removal: The Right Choice to Address Ingrown Hairs

If you currently have a pilonidal cyst and want treatment, you can get it. The only way treatment would not take place is if the area is actively inflamed or infected.

Also, if you have a history of pilonidal cysts and want to prevent future occurrences, laser hair removal is indeed a great option. It’s a fantastic method to address ingrown hairs, a big catalyst for pilonidal cysts.

Laser hair removal significantly reduces excess hair by targeting the hair follicle and compromising its growth cycle. With repeated treatment sessions, you’ll be left with smooth, hair-free skin, a significant reduction in ingrown hairs, and a far reduced chance of those cysts flaring again.

“I think being able to prevent ingrown hairs as a cause of a cyst and removing that from the equation is extremely helpful,” said Milan Laser Clinical Support Nurse Amanda B. “As we thin that hair out, it can help with ingrowns. A lot of clients with that irritation come through the door because we’re able to help them alleviate symptoms and make it more manageable for them.

“I would say within the first few treatments – maybe three to four – we’re able to thin that hair out and it becomes a little more sparse. We’re obviously not getting every single hair every single time. I think every treatment gets progressively better and more comfortable for the client.”

Exploring the Evidence: Research and Safety Considerations

While research is ongoing, laser hair removal shows promising results in preventing pilonidal cyst recurrence. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that four out of five groups experienced a decrease in the recurrence rate of these cysts after undergoing laser hair removal treatments. 

The study concluded that while laser hair removal therapy was a promising method to address pilonidal cysts, more studies are necessary to understand its role in prevention and recurrence.