Redness, swelling and itchy skin after laser hair removal is a normal response and should subside within hours to days. To minimize further complications it’s essential to use soothing products, like aloe vera creams or non-comedogenic lotion.
Ice packs or cold wash cloths placed over the area may help soothe itching and swelling. Be wary of scratching as this could lead to skin infections.
Redness
Laser hair removal may result in redness in the area treated, although this should typically be mild and will dissipate within hours to days without intervention from cooling creams or similar means. Redness caused by laser energy is caused by heat generated when breaking apart hair follicles – this may also produce sensations of burning or itching; using such products as cooling cream can alleviate symptoms faster.
Swelling is another common side effect of laser hair removal and may affect similar areas as redness. Although usually temporary and will go away on its own, swelling may cause discomfort while it heals over time. If it lasts for more than 24 hours it’s essential that you contact your laser practitioner so they can address it as soon as possible and find a resolution.
Itching is another side effect of laser treatment and can be annoying and uncomfortable. To address it effectively, avoid scratching as this will only increase inflammation and may lead to scarring. Instead, apply aloe vera lotion or ointment as often as needed or use hypoallergenic cleanser without exfoliation until healing has taken place.
After laser treatment, it’s also wise to avoid direct sun exposure and apply a high-SPF sunscreen regularly on the area in question. Avoid tanning beds too as these could increase your likelihood of burns and other adverse side effects after laser therapy.
After laser hair removal, it’s normal for damaged follicles to start falling out over the following weeks as part of their natural healing process – this should be expected after any laser procedure, including laser hair removal.
Professional laser technicians should only perform your treatments as they possess the knowledge and expertise to select an appropriate laser type suited for your skin type and position it during each treatment with precision to prevent complications during the procedure.
Swelling
Laser hair removal often leads to swelling, known as perifollicular edema. This occurs when laser light energy heats individual follicles causing them to expand and cause them to swell – this effect can last anywhere from several hours up to several days after laser treatment has taken place.
Swelling is an indicator that the laser has successfully targeted and destroyed hair follicles, as well as part of the healing process and can help protect against infection. If it persists beyond 24 hours, contact your laser practitioner immediately for further advice.
Swelling should generally not be cause for alarm; however, tanning and sun exposure on the affected area should be limited until its swelling has subsided. Furthermore, skincare products that irritate your skin (retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids) should also be avoided until symptoms subside – soothing creams or gels may provide comforting relief instead.
Redness is another side effect of laser hair removal that is often experienced. Laser heat can make skin redden and swell as part of its healing process, and if this redness doesn’t subside after several hours you could apply a cool compress on it for relief. Also try avoiding applying any products which may irritate it prior to treatment day.
If you have sensitive skin, multiple laser treatments may be required before redness and swelling disappear. Be sure to discuss with your laser practitioner about what treatments work for your specific situation as well as how well the skin responds to laser treatment.
As part of your treatment, you’ll wear protective goggles while the practitioner presses a handheld device against your skin – the sensation may feel similar to being pinged by an elastic band – the entire procedure may last from several minutes up to an hour depending on its size and the area being treated.
Itching
As with any surgical procedure, laser hair removal may cause itching in the area where treatment was administered for up to 2 days following. If it persists beyond this timeline or accompanies other symptoms, contact your specialist as soon as possible for advice.
Itchy scalp caused by laser treatment can often result from changes caused by laser beams on skin and follicles. Follicular edema (swelling, reddening and itching of hair follicles) is an extremely common side effect and very safe temporary solution to this itchiness.
Itching can be both uncomfortable and irritating. To alleviate itching effectively, avoid scratching or picking at itchy areas as this will only aggravate irritation further and result in more swelling and redness. Instead, cooling creams, cold compresses or ice packs on affected areas may provide temporary relief from itching while anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone may offer long-term relief from itchy symptoms.
Crusting of the skin is another complication associated with laser hair removal that may arise after treatment, due to heat from the laser dissolving your natural oils and moisture from your skin. To keep it hydrated after your session, it is wise to use thicker cream containing aloe vera in order to keep the crusting from becoming open wounds, bleeding or scarring.
Whenever scabs or open wounds form, it’s essential not to pick at them as this could lead to infection and require antibiotic ointments for treatment. Furthermore, avoid exfoliating or scrubbing as this could further irritate and harm your skin.
Though new hair may grow back after laser hair removal, if this should happen it can still be treated at LH Spa & Rejuvenation as touch-up treatments may be required. If this occurs we encourage clients to return as soon as they notice this happening for touch-up treatments if required.
Discomfort
Some individuals may experience discomfort during laser hair removal depending on the density and color of their hairs. Most commonly this sensation will occur at the start of treatment when thicker hair is present but gradually lessens over time as treatments continue. For those wishing to avoid discomfort altogether, topical anesthetics may be used instead.
If any discomfort does arise, it usually subsides quickly with ice packs or cool baths. Furthermore, it may be wise to refrain from applying too many products directly onto the area during its first few days post treatment.
After treatment, skin in the treated area may become extremely delicate and delicate; thus it’s essential that it receives adequate time to recover. Furthermore, foregoing sunless tanning products for several weeks prior can reduce chances of skin discoloration and disfigurement.
Appropriate scheduling of laser treatment sessions should also take account of when pain receptors are most active during your menstrual cycle, since pain receptors become hypersensitive at this time. People with darker skin can make use of scheduling laser sessions during summer when temperatures are at their warmest; this will reduce any unpleasant sensation associated with laser procedures.
If a person suffers from medical conditions that make them sensitive to sunlight, it’s advisable for them to refrain from sunbathing and tanning prior to seeking laser hair removal treatment. Furthermore, certain anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin may interfere with circulation; accordingly.
Some individuals experiencing laser hair removal may experience side effects that require immediate medical intervention, including burning of the skin, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, swelling around hair follicles (follicular edema), flare up of acne, scab formation or purpura formation and burning sensations. If these symptoms become severe or do not resolve within hours of laser use, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately in order to make adjustments in terms of laser type or settings.
Permanent hair reduction by laser usually requires multiple treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, making treatment more comfortable with air coolers attached to the laser that provide a jet of icy-cold air during treatment sessions, significantly diminishing any sensation caused by laser on skin.
