Laser hair removal is one of the best permanent solutions for removing and reducing unwanted body hair. It replaces depilation (shaving, waxing), reduces pigmentation issues caused by hair growth and gives skin a smooth appearance.
Laser procedures are safe and effective when carried out by trained practitioners who understand which laser settings and selection will best match their patient’s skin type and treatment area.
1. Burning
Laser hair removal employs pulses of laser light to destroy hair follicles and thus inhibit hair growth. A doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin; depending on which laser is being used, cooling devices or gel might also be applied for protection or to minimize side effects. You’ll feel warm pinpricks as it passes through layers of skin to disrupt pigmented follicles that produce hair, ultimately stopping production altogether. Several treatment sessions will likely be needed before lasting results are seen, with touch up sessions annually to maintain effectiveness of results.
Candidates for laser hair removal who possess dark, coarse hair and light skin tend to benefit most from treatment with this technology. However, advanced technology has made it possible for individuals with darker skin tones also take advantage of laser treatments.
Although rare, blistering and skin crusting may occur as a side effect of laser hair removal. Your doctor can provide medications to treat the symptoms if necessary; the risk increases if using at-home laser devices or having your procedure performed by an untrained technician.
Laser hair removal carries with it certain risks; however, these side effects tend to be mild and temporary. By following your doctor’s instructions before and after your procedure, they should all but disappear altogether. Individuals attempting to become pregnant should consider other solutions for removing unwanted hair as laser treatments may not be safe during gestation.
2. Redness
Laser hair removal uses light to selectively target and damage hair follicles without harming surrounding skin, with minimal side-effects to surrounding tissue. After treatment sessions it’s not uncommon for redness to appear around the treated area due to irritation caused by hair follicles – this typically lasts anywhere between hours and weeks and should therefore be followed post-treatment instructions like taking hot showers/baths only, wearing loose clothing and applying an SPF 30 sunblock on this area of treatment.
Laser hair removal procedures involve having a practitioner press a handheld device against your skin and activate the laser beam, which may feel similar to snapping an elastic band across it – particularly sensitive areas like bikini lines can become particularly uncomfortable at this point; for this reason, your practitioner may provide topical anesthetic before beginning.
Once your laser hair removal treatment begins, its light beam will heat your follicles up, prompting your body to react by turning red and swelling affected skin – this condition is called follicular edema and it is common post laser hair removal treatments.
Blisters, permanent changes to skin color or extensive redness are not normal responses, indicating either that you had the wrong type of laser used on your complexion or inexperienced practitioners performed your laser treatments. To prevent such issues from arising again in future treatments, always have a doctor perform laser procedures, selecting experienced practitioners only as providers.
Although laser hair removal may cause side effects, its advantages outweigh them. When compared with shaving which requires frequent upkeep and can lead to razor burn, laser hair removal offers significant time savings over the long run by eliminating the need for waxing or plucking hairs that become unsightly.
3. Swelling
Laser hair removal works by heating only your hair follicles, not your skin. While mild side effects such as redness and irritation are likely, some individuals also report minor color changes or crusting post laser hair removal; all of which should resolve over time.
If you are concerned about side effects, it’s essential that you choose a practitioner with extensive training and experience with laser treatments. They will be able to offer comprehensive aftercare instructions to reduce discomfort while suggesting topical anesthetics to further soothe any pain or discomfort during treatment.
Redness and irritation are among the most frequently reported side effects of laser hair removal, due to damaged follicles being affected by laser light, which then leads to their swelling and subsequent reddening. Irritation can usually last only for a few hours after treatment has taken place; to soothe your discomfort apply cold compresses or take cool baths; some people also report skin crusting in affected areas – typically minor but may lead to discomfort and even scarring over time.
Help reduce these symptoms by shaving or trimming the area before your appointment and using moisturizer after. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds for several weeks after treatment and wear high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. It’s also essential that you inform your practitioner if any medications, supplements, or essential oils cause photosensitivity as this will allow them to select an appropriate laser laser and provide additional recommendations if necessary.
4. Discoloration
Laser hair removal works by targeting and destroying hair follicles so they cannot produce new hair growth. While this treatment is safe and effective for most, some potential risks must be considered prior to beginning this course of treatment. Therefore, it’s essential that any potential risks be discussed with a qualified practitioner prior to choosing laser hair removal as treatment option.
Discoloration is a frequent side effect of laser treatment. This occurs because laser light can alter skin pigmentation and cause its color to change; this effect is especially likely to happen to those with darker skin tones if an incorrect type of laser is used during treatment; this condition is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it can be very difficult to reverse.
Blistering can also be a risk with laser hair removal, and is most likely to occur if the area being treated was exposed to direct sunlight soon before receiving laser hair treatment. Therefore, it is advised to avoid tanning beds for six weeks before visiting a laser hair removal session as well as apply broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 on any areas treated by laser.
Remember, side effects from any treatment should only be temporary; most will resolve themselves within hours or days of receiving your therapy, though it’s advisable to remain cautious and notify the practitioner who administered your therapy should any issues arise.
Laser hair removal often causes discomfort, redness and swelling after treatment; should any of these occur post-laser session it is essential that you contact your provider as quickly as possible and seek assistance to rectify the situation as soon as possible.
5. Irritation
Laser hair removal involves exposing targeted areas of your skin to light from a laser device, which damages hair follicles that produce unwanted hairs, leading to side effects like redness or irritation from this laser device. You may also experience crusting or changes to skin colour (hyper or hypopigmentation), although these symptoms should pass within 24 hours or sooner.
It is essential that if you experience any of the side effects listed, to contact your clinic. They may request you come in so they can assess and recommend treatment solutions.
If your symptoms are severe and persisting, it’s always advisable to contact a physician or emergency department immediately. Laser hair removal can cause more serious health concerns if done incorrectly; professional advice regarding which laser best matches with your skin type and tone should also be sought before starting treatments yourself.
Before going into your laser hair removal appointment, it is also crucial that you refrain from using tanning products and other skin-irritating substances on the skin. Otherwise, your results could become compromised and less effective. Furthermore, shaving the area that will be treated prior to appointment will ensure optimal results from laser hair removal treatment. For help preparing for laser treatments at Knott Street Dermatology we can advise you on ways to do so including shaving and minimizing sun exposure.
