Cosmetic laser treatments — from laser hair removal to skin rejuvenation and pigmentation correction — are incredibly popular across Australia. They can help reduce unwanted hair, smooth uneven skin tone, and rejuvenate tired skin.
But before booking a session, there’s something even more important than the results — making sure your skin is safe to treat. If a melanoma or suspicious mole is present and goes undetected before laser treatment, it can have serious consequences for your health.
How Cosmetic Lasers Work
Laser treatments work by directing focused light energy into the skin. This energy targets specific structures such as:
- Pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle (for hair removal)
- Blood vessels (for vascular treatments)
- Pigmentation or damaged skin cells (for skin rejuvenation)
When used correctly, these lasers safely destroy targeted cells without harming surrounding tissue. However, this same targeting ability can cause problems if a melanoma or other skin cancer lies in the treated area.
What Happens If a Laser Is Used Over Melanoma
If a melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) is mistakenly treated with a laser, several issues can occur:
- Altered Appearance:
The laser can change how the mole or lesion looks — fading or removing pigmentation and blurring the edges. This makes it much harder for doctors to recognise early warning signs later on. - Delayed Diagnosis:
Because the lesion has been cosmetically altered, any underlying melanoma may go unnoticed until it progresses to a more advanced stage, when it is harder to treat. - Potential Stimulation:
While lasers don’t cause melanoma, applying light or heat to a cancerous lesion may cause inflammatory changes, complicating future assessment and treatment. - False Sense of Security:
If the spot looks improved after laser treatment, both the patient and the clinician might assume it’s harmless — when in fact, melanoma could still be present beneath the surface.
The Importance of a Skin Check Before Laser Treatments
Before any laser procedure — especially laser hair removal or pigmentation treatment — you should have a professional skin check by a professional dermoscopist, GP or dermatologist.
A pre-laser skin check:
- Ensures no suspicious moles or lesions are treated with laser
- Provides medical clearance for safe cosmetic treatment
- Establishes a baseline record of your skin for future comparison
- Gives you peace of mind knowing your treatment won’t interfere with cancer detection
Many reputable cosmetic and laser clinics now require or recommend a doctor’s clearance before proceeding — particularly in high-risk patients (fair skin, history of melanoma, or multiple moles).
High-Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
You may be at increased risk of melanoma or other skin cancers if you have:
- Fair or freckled skin
- A history of blistering sunburns
- A family history of melanoma
- Multiple moles or changing lesions
- Significant sun exposure (especially in Australia and Queensland)
If any of these apply to you, regular skin checks — at least once a year — are essential.
How to Stay Safe Before and After Laser Treatments
✅ Before treatment:
- Book a comprehensive skin check with a qualified clinician
- Avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure
- Inform your laser therapist about any new or changing spots
✅ After treatment:
- Protect treated skin with SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours
- Continue monthly self-skin checks and report any changes to your doctor
Healthy Skin First, Cosmetic Results Second
Laser treatments are an excellent way to enhance your skin’s appearance — but they should never come at the expense of your health. A hidden melanoma can easily be missed if laser treatment is performed without proper assessment.
Before undergoing any cosmetic laser procedure, make sure your skin is clear of suspicious lesions. A simple, professional skin check could save your life — and ensure your cosmetic journey is safe, effective, and worry-free.
Why Choose Skin Check Australia
At Skin Check Australia, your safety always comes first. Our experienced doctors and clinicians specialise in the early detection and prevention of skin cancer using advanced dermoscopy and digital imaging technology.
We work in collaboration with leading skin and laser clinics across Australia to make the process easy, affordable, and seamless. If your skin check reveals no concerning lesions, you’ll receive instant approval to proceed safely with your cosmetic laser treatment — all in one simple visit.
By combining expert medical care with trusted cosmetic partners, we ensure your skin health and beauty goals go hand in hand.
Healthy Skin First, Cosmetic Results Second
Cosmetic lasers can deliver outstanding aesthetic results — but they should never compromise your health.
A simple professional skin check before treatment ensures that no melanoma or suspicious mole is missed. It’s quick, affordable, and could save your life.
Book your skin cancer check with Skin Check Australia today and enjoy peace of mind before your next laser appointment.