Can patients with vitiligo undergo laser hair removal or lifting procedures?

Overall, it was rare, but the risk was not completely absent.

In a survey involving 15 vitiligo experts from 11 countries, approximately 30 cases of new or worsened vitiligo after laser or IPL procedures were reported among about 11,300 vitiligo patients over the past 1 year, representing about 0.27%.

However, a closer look at these 30 cases reveals several notable points.

- About 40% were cases without a prior history of vitiligo before the procedure

- Among existing vitiligo patients, 58% had been stable for more than 1 year

- The risk was higher when skin damage such as blisters or scabs occurred after the procedure

- Among the reported procedures, laser hair removal accounted for the highest proportion

In other words, even if vitiligo has been stable for a long time, the risk does not completely disappear, and the degree of skin irritation is also important.

The key is to check the activity of vitiligo before the procedure and respond quickly if skin damage occurs after the procedure.

Before the procedure

① Thorough consultation Discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure sufficiently with a dermatologist who has experience treating vitiligo patients.

② Check vitiligo activity Check whether new lesions are developing, existing lesions are expanding, or the Koebner phenomenon is occurring. If necessary, the condition can be evaluated using a Wood's lamp examination, among other methods.

③ Determine the type and intensity of the procedure Carefully decide on the area, type, and intensity of the procedure, and consider a test procedure on a small area first if necessary.

After the procedure

① Minimize skin damage Be careful to avoid skin damage such as blisters, scabs, or oozing.

② Prompt medical attention if abnormal symptoms occur If new white spots or skin damage appear on the treated area, it is advisable to see a dermatologist immediately.

③ Actively treat new vitiligo if it develops If new lesions occur, necessary treatments such as topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or phototherapy can be considered.

Having vitiligo does not mean that you must give up laser hair removal or cosmetic procedures entirely. However, it is important to be aware that, unlike normal skin, new vitiligo can develop after skin damage, and to perform the procedure during a stable period of vitiligo in a way that minimizes skin damage. In particular, the activity of vitiligo should be accurately assessed before the procedure, and if abnormal reactions such as blisters or scabs occur after the procedure, a prompt response is necessary.