Laser hair removal is one of the most effective, permanent ways to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. It eliminates the need for depilation, waxing or shaving which often cause skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
After laser treatment, it’s normal to experience redness and bumps around the area that was lasered, although they should fade within 24 hours.
Redness
Redness is a normal side effect of laser hair removal, yet it may become bothersome. This is caused by damage that the laser causes to hair follicles which connect directly with skin – this leads to inflammation in the form of red bumps which should generally subside within days but could worsen due to certain circumstances.
Apply a cooling cream such as pure aloe vera gel or non-comedogenic lotion to reduce redness and discomfort, such as pure aloe vera gel. This will soothe any burning sensations or feelings of itchiness while soothing any burning sensations or feelings of itchiness. Scrubbing or using harsh cleansers on affected area should also be avoided along with hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms as these can irritate skin further while worsening redness or bumps further.
If your skin redness becomes increasingly prominent, it may be wise to visit a dermatologist. He or she can help determine if it indicates an allergic reaction and provide appropriate treatments; usually an antihistamine will suffice in soothing redness and itching.
Some individuals may experience hives after laser hair removal treatments, though these tend to be milder than other forms of rashes. Hives could take the form of small bumps resembling bee stings or larger welts on the surface of the skin; should this occur it’s important to contact your physician immediately as they may recommend either discontinuing laser treatments altogether or prescribing an antihistamine.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is vital that you find a qualified, experienced and licensed practitioner. They will make sure the appropriate laser type is used for your skin tone, and inquire into any medications or supplements taken that could alter its effectiveness. You should avoid tanning for six weeks prior to an appointment date as well as use sun protection with SPF 30+ following treatments.
Swelling
Laser hair removal often causes a prickly sensation or irritation directly after treatment, due to hair follicles being stimulated by heat from the laser. However, the discomfort usually lasts only briefly and can be eased with cooling creams (1% hydrocortisone cream is great at soothing after laser treatments) or by placing cool compresses over the area to reduce itching, swelling and redness. Furthermore, you should wait at least several days after treatments have been completed before shaving that area again as shaving may worsen any irritation caused by shaving can.
Swelling may be a telltale sign of a bacterial infection called folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when laser treatment heats hair follicles, disrupting their natural balance with Propionibacterium acnes which then overgrow and cause blemishes and inflammation. A plastic surgeon may recommend anti-inflammatory or antibacterial creams after laser treatments to combat folliculitis.
Keep in mind that doctors only perform laser hair removal on healthy skin, meaning no makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant and sunless tanning products should be applied prior to treatments. Furthermore, plucking or waxing the treatment area could interfere with its effectiveness and lead to complications like inflammation and scarring that require further medical interventions.
Laser hair removal side effects often include temporary changes in skin tone. This usually happens around the area treated and usually lasts no more than several days or so; to minimize these effects, follow a strict skincare routine without adding pigmentation-enhancing products into your routine.
Laser hair removal treatments generally prevent new hair growth in areas that were treated, though sometimes hormone-induced hair follicles or other causes could result in new hair sprouting in those same areas. It’s wise to schedule follow-up visits with your dermatologist so as to maintain the results of the initial laser session.
Itching
Follicular edema is an often reported side effect of laser hair removal. This condition causes hair follicles to swell up, creating bumpy red areas on the surface of skin after treatment, typically only lasting hours or days later and should not cause alarm; rather it should be taken as evidence that laser has done its job successfully.
Another common side effect of laser hair removal is itching. This itching may be caused by various factors, including follicular edema or redness, swelling, and bumps; an allergic reaction; or aloe vera gel or 1% hydrocortisone cream applied directly over the affected area – these products can usually be bought over-the-counter and should be safe for most people; however it’s best to consult a physician first as these may have serious side effects for certain individuals.
Some individuals may experience a more severe form of itching known as rash. This rash, commonly referred to as hives, may cause itching in its purest form and often appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Hives may be caused by latex exposure or chemical contact as well as laser treatment itself; should this occur following laser hair removal it should be immediately addressed with medical advice as touching and scratching can spread bacteria further leading to health concerns.
Antihistamines may help alleviate any allergic reactions following laser hair removal, including diphenhydramine (Aler-Dryl), hydroxyzine, and loratadine (Claritin). They are available over-the-counter.
Antihistamines alone will not prevent an itchy rash from worsening; to safeguard skin protection it is also important to use sunscreen with an SPF value higher than 15 and apply it frequently; hot tubs and saunas should also be avoided due to their potential to irritate. Mild soaps should also be applied on affected areas to limit itchiness.
Discomfort
Laser hair removal treatments often leave skin feeling sensitive and sore immediately following. This is because the laser beam penetrates your skin and enters your hair follicles to cause damage that prevents future hair growth, often in mild pain similar to pinpricks; depending on the size of the area being treated it could last anywhere between minutes and an hour or even smell a little like smoke due to heat generated from laser light damaging hair follicles.
After surgery, the area may become red and bumpy – this is known as follicular edema and is a part of the healing process. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like Tylenol or ibuprofen may help relieve swelling and pain, or you could apply a cool compress or an ice pack directly onto the area to minimize pain and swelling further.
Your area may also become itchy during recovery; this is caused by dead hair follicles shedding and flaking away, often continuing for several days until all hair has shed. Scabs may form; use moisturizer with aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone to keep skin from becoming too dry and itchy post laser session.
Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent and efficient ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, relieving associated skin problems such as folliculitis or discoloration as well as significantly decreasing shaving or waxing time. Plus, lasers reduce time spent shaving or waxing.
Your hair removal treatment requirements depend on individual circumstances; however, you should experience gradual hair reduction after each session. In some instances, additional maintenance sessions may be required every few months to make sure no new growth appears.
