Laser hair removal involves your dermatologist using a small laser to safely target the hair follicles that produce unwanted hair growth and damage them safely, potentially causing minor side effects such as redness or irritation.
To reduce side effects from treatments, make sure to shave before each visit and avoid using tweezers, waxing or plucking. Also ensure you are well hydrated prior to beginning treatments and avoid tanning before your session.
1. Redness and Irritation
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure that can remove unwanted hair while also minimising ingrown hairs, however there may be side effects that need to be managed. Most side effects are temporary without long-term health risks; nonetheless it is important to be aware of them so you can make informed decisions regarding this treatment option.
Redness and irritation are two of the more commonly experienced laser hair removal side effects, due to how laser light treatments penetrate skin layers to destroy follicles of targeted hairs, prompting our bodies to react by turning certain parts red and swelling slightly; typically these symptoms do not last very long but they may be uncomfortable; should this occur, try applying a cold compress over affected area to ease discomfort.
Your laser treatment may cause more rapid hair shedding after each session; this is completely normal given how hair growth and loss occur in cycles. As new growth phases appear in between treatments, they could return faster after your laser hair removal sessions, leading to permanent hair reduction over time. Multiple sessions of laser hair removal sessions are often necessary in order to reach permanent results.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is essential that you prepare yourself ahead of your appointment by refraining from waxing and tweezing the area prior to scheduling an appointment. In addition, any products containing alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, hydroquinone or retinols should not be used three days before treatment and an SPF 30 sunscreen should be worn daily in order to safeguard against sun damage.
Note that it can take several days for your hair to return after receiving laser therapy treatment, as hair grows in cycles and the laser only targets active follicles at the time of your visit.
2. Changes in Skin Color
After laser hair removal, some small areas of skin may darken or lighten in color temporarily as part of the healing process. While most individuals see results within weeks or less, occasionally this side effect may linger longer due to disturbance or irritation of melanin–the pigment which gives skin its color–from passing through layers of your skin by laser beam. If concerned, talk with a dermatologist.
Using at-home laser kits or getting treatments from providers who are untrained and uncertified may result in more drastic skin color changes, including hyperpigmentation, blisters or scarring – particularly if your skin already contains tints of color such as tanning.
Laser hair removal involves targeting pigmented hair follicles with laser light to damage them, creating an allergic response in your body similar to sunburn – your skin may turn red, tingle and feel tender before swelling slightly – similar symptoms to sunburn; your dermatologist can apply a topical anesthetic cream or spray to relieve your discomfort and help minimize how much the area swells up.
Laser treatment may lead to folliculitis, wherein hair follicles become clogged with debris that creates pus-filled pimples. This happens because heat from the laser opens your pores too much, making it hard for dead skin cells and bacteria to escape through them. You can avoid this situation by keeping the area being treated clean and avoiding products which clog the pore openings.
As is normal and harmless, after each session you may notice crusting of the skin. Avoid picking at it as doing so could lead to scabbing or scarring; use moisturizer instead to help your skin recover.
Your other potential side effects may also include less common ones, like uveitis and iritis (caused by laser beams penetrating different layers of the eye) when laser light reaches your eyes; you are at increased risk for these complications if you have acne, eczema, or psoriasis as these could increase risk further. It is also essential that you inform your physician of any past eye problems such as glaucoma or retinal issues as this should also be shared between all parties involved.
3. Blisters
Laser hair removal works by converting light into heat that targets dark pigments in the skin, which in turn disrupts hair follicles and stops their growth. Unfortunately, however, side effects such as blisters or changes to skin color may occur after treatment; these side effects typically dissipate quickly after finishing therapy sessions; should any remain, your dermatologist can provide medication to manage them effectively.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, you may experience mild redness and swelling which should not be painful. A burning sensation might also be noticeable but is completely normal as this indicates the laser working effectively. Scrubbing or scratching the area should be avoided in favor of using cold compresses and over-the-counter painkillers to soothe any discomfort experienced during treatment.
Blistering is another common side effect of laser hair removal treatments, and may appear within weeks after being treated or in case you experience an allergic reaction to the light used during treatment. While this rarely lasts more than 24 hours, you should notify your dermatologist as soon as you experience blisters or any signs of an allergic reaction immediately – regardless of their rare occurrence or duration.
Acne is another common laser hair removal side effect. This happens because heat from laser light opens pores, allowing bacteria and dead skin cells to escape through them and cause zits-like infections on your skin that look similar to pimples. While uncomfortable and embarrassing, they’re harmless if treated appropriately – to minimize this side effect, wash skin after laser treatments before applying lotions, deodorants or makeup directly after them.
Skin crusting and scabbing are common side effects of laser hair removal, with this most likely happening if your skin is very sensitive, using an at-home laser kit, or recently tanning the area being treated. While these symptoms are sometimes minor, moisturizing creams should help alleviate them quickly.
Blistering should not be an issue with laser hair removal performed by a dermatologist or licensed practitioner, provided you follow his/her pre and post treatment instructions carefully. Furthermore, you should never attempt to have laser hair removal treatment on any area of your body which has been sunburnt or otherwise compromised.
4. Scarring
Laser hair removal involves using a high-heat laser, with practitioners often applying a cooling device prior to laser treatments in order to avoid burns. People with darker complexions or tanned skin may experience permanent changes in pigmentation post-treatment; this condition is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and usually cannot be reversed but could fade over time.
Some individuals may experience their treated area crusting due to superficial burns. This can be very uncomfortable and lead to scarring, scabbing and blistering in the treated area. Crusting often happens when the tip of the laser probe is not cold enough to prevent superficial burns as well as when people fail to moisturize it after laser treatments.
One of the key rules when receiving laser hair removal treatment is not using makeup, lotions or any other products on your skin that could increase heat absorption by the laser. Most practitioners advise people to refrain from physical activities and sun exposure for several hours prior to laser treatments and ensure their skin is free from sunless tanning products and numbing creams that could increase its heating rate.
People undergoing laser hair removal may require multiple sessions before seeing results that meet their expectations, leading to frustration and a subsequent lack of trust in the procedure. But as long as you follow all pre and post care instructions and consult your dermatologist about potential benefits and drawbacks, laser hair removal shouldn’t present a major challenge. Laser hair removal is a safe, efficient and affordable method of getting rid of unwanted hair; however, as with any treatment it does come with certain risks that should be discussed prior to beginning treatments. These tips should help minimize risks and side effects associated with laser treatment. Before undertaking any laser procedure, always consult a doctor first in order to make sure this procedure suits your unique needs and goals. It is vital to find a practitioner with experience who understands skin reactions to lasers.
