Laser hair removal is an efficient and non-invasive solution for eliminating unwanted body hair. The laser’s heat destroys hair follicles to stop their future regrowth – potentially eliminating the need for plucking, shaving or waxing altogether.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this treatment does carry with it some side effects; these may include itching, red skin or swelling.
1. Redness
Lasers use light energy to destroy hair follicles, creating redness in the affected region of skin as an expected side effect that typically lasts only a few hours. A cooling cream or ointment may help soothe irritation after receiving laser treatment; for best results it’s wise to stay out of direct sunlight after treatments have concluded and always wear high SPF sunscreen when outside.
Changes to your skin in the treated area could also include darker or lighter tones than expected, especially people with lighter complexions; those with darker complexions are not as susceptible to these pigmentary changes; nonetheless they should contact their physician. If any concerns arise concerning such changes, seek medical advice immediately.
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, you may experience a pinprick-like sensation and detect sulfurous scent from smoke puffs produced by the laser. Overall, the treatment itself takes only fractions of seconds per hair follicle to treat. Small areas, like the upper lip, can often be treated in just minutes; larger ones, like back and legs can take up to an hour for treatment. Three to eight treatments typically result in permanent hair reduction – although some patients see results after just one session! Your results may require occasional touch-up sessions to keep looking their best, so choosing an experienced practitioner to perform them is of vital importance. Failing to do so could result in scarring and burns; select wisely!
2. Discomfort
Laser technology can penetrate the skin and destroy hair follicles, effectively stopping their ability to produce new hair growth. Treatment typically entails several sessions spaced out over several weeks – most experts suggest six or eight sessions are sufficient; this may vary depending on hair color and coarseness, hormone influences and treatment area.
Discomfort is one of the more frequent side effects associated with laser hair removal sessions. While not painful, the discomfort experienced is similar to getting mosquito bites or having rubber bands snapped against your skin quickly. Your physician will likely use numbing cream or cooling gel on the tip of their laser device to reduce discomfort levels.
Pain tolerance varies between individuals; while some might feel tiny pinches that they describe as excruciating, other will go through the same procedure without feeling anything at all. To ensure an enjoyable experience and avoid uncomfortable experiences it is wise to find a highly qualified practitioner. Furthermore it should be scheduled during or prior to periods, since hormonal fluctuations may alter comfort levels during laser hair removal sessions.
Avoid direct sunlight for several weeks following laser treatment in order to minimize discomfort, and wear sunscreen with high SPF when going outdoors; additionally, dehydration can irritate skin post-laser treatment, so make sure that you drink enough fluids as this could aggravate symptoms further.
3. Swelling
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in your hair follicles with light energy, heating them until their pores rupture – which leads to laser energy destroying it and stopping future hair growth. Following treatment, you may experience red and swollen follicles (follicular edema). However, these side effects typically dissipate within days.
Some individuals might also experience itching and pink skin after laser hair removal sessions due to heat from the laser damaging surrounding tissue. Both reactions are normal responses, usually dissolving within several hours.
When someone experiences blisters following laser hair removal, it is vital that they don’t pop them – this could lead to infection and scarring. Instead, treating the blister as any sore or wound should help speed up recovery time – consider applying wound healing cream as soon as possible for maximum effect.
Swelling and tingling are also side effects of laser hair removal that may last only briefly; for best results, use of cold compresses or cool baths on the affected area may help ease any discomfort caused.
Laser hair removal typically takes between five minutes and an hour depending on the size of the area being treated, although it can sometimes be quite uncomfortable, feeling similar to rubber band snapping against their skin. You might also experience an unpleasant sulfurous scent from burning away hairs under heat of laser.
Anyone considering laser hair removal must consult with several facilities and professionals, in order to locate an efficient laser and trained provider. Many clinics will run tests on patches of skin to make sure it won’t harm it during treatments; additionally, people interested in this procedure should avoid tanning beds and sunlight before their appointments.
4. Bleeding
Laser devices damage hair follicles, prompting an immune reaction in which skin may feel prickly or even slightly swell slightly – although these symptoms typically fade quickly. Your doctor may apply a cooling device or gel to reduce discomfort.
This procedure works best on people with dark hair and light skin, as the contrast between pigment in their hair and melanin found in their skin allows the laser to detect and damage individual strands more efficiently. Unfortunately, its efficacy may decrease with blonde, reddish or grey locks as laser cannot identify differences in pigment between hair and skin pigmentation.
Rarely, laser treatments may result in burns and blisters on the skin. This could occur if someone isn’t careful when operating the laser device, or when used by an inexperienced individual who lacks experience using it. Therefore, only hire licensed and trained individuals for laser therapy services.
Blistering may occur following tanning, waxing or plucking treatments that leave the skin exposed, such as waxing or plucking of hairs for waxing or pluckeding purposes. This condition is known as folliculitis and it can be very uncomfortable. Your physician will likely recommend an antibiotic cream if this problem continues.
People suffering from genital herpes should avoid laser hair removal treatments as it’s not appropriate. Pregnant women should also opt for non-laser options instead, since hormonal changes during gestation can cause extra hair growth in certain areas that is unwanted by laser. There are other effective solutions such as prescription topical medications or over-the-counter products available that provide long-lasting hair removal solutions; laser treatment does not promise permanent hair reduction solutions but may still offer long-lasting solutions when the right techniques are utilized.
5. Scarring
Lasers emit powerful light, and as the body responds, redness or itching may ensue as hair follicles are damaged, creating discomfort that usually lasts a few hours. Topical anesthetic cream or cool ice packs may help minimize reactions; in addition, individuals should treat the area like any wound and report any signs of infection to their dermatologist immediately.
Laser hair removal does not typically cause scarring; however, it could if performed by someone unqualified or using incorrect settings on their machine. Therefore, individuals should visit only certified practitioners and check that they are registered as specialists in their field.
Laser hair removal may cause pigment changes to your skin, more commonly in darker complexions but possible on all types. If this happens to you, avoid direct sun exposure and apply high SPF sunscreen on the affected area to limit sunburn risk.
Laser hair removal is generally safe for most individuals; however, pregnant women or anyone with a history of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scars, autoimmune conditions or who have recently taken acne medications or antibiotics should consult a dermatologist prior to scheduling an appointment for laser hair removal. A patch test prior to booking an appointment can also help determine your eligibility as it identifies any conditions which could result in complications during laser hair removal, such as an outbreak of herpes simplex virus (HSV).
