What Are The Laser Hair Removal Side Effects: Everything You Need To Know

Laser hair removal is appealing to those who want a more permanent solution to hair reduction than other technologies. Hair removal using lasers involves preventing new follicles from generating in the skin’s hair follicles. However, before beginning therapy, individuals should be aware of the following laser hair removal side effects and misconceptions surrounding laser hair removal.

For most individuals, laser hair removal is a safe and effective method to get rid of unwanted body hair permanently or for extended periods of time.

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

After laser hair removal, some negative effects are possible. The most common side effects are minor and short-term. Anyone who is experiencing long-term side effects should visit their doctor.

Redness and irritation

Exposing hair to laser radiation causes the follicles in targeted hairs to be damaged. The body reacts to this, and many individuals experience redness and discomfort in the affected regions. The skin may tingle or become sore, and it might seem to swell slightly.

The symptoms are generally brief. The afflicted region may resemble waxed or plucked skin. A topical anesthetic is sometimes utilized by dermatologists to minimize a person’s skin’s reaction to the treatment.

Irritation should subside after the initial reaction, which is usually within a few hours. Ice packs or a cool bath may help with swelling and redness.

Crusting

Occasionally, people may develop a skin crust in the afflicted area. This is typically a minor issue, but it can be inconvenient.

Scabbing or scarring can sometimes result from crusting. To avoid any long-term problems as a result of this therapy, use a moisturizer to maintain the treated region after laser removal, such as applying it directly to the skin.

Changes in skin color

Minor color changes in the treated skin are possible. Following laser hair removal, it may become somewhat darker or lighter.

People with lighter skin are more likely to have darker pigmentation changes, according on a recent study. People of darker complexion may be more prone to subtle changes in color. These modifications typically fade away over time and the skin returns to normal.

Eye injury

The use of strong lasers is involved in hair removal. This implies that there is a chance of significant eye damage, especially when a practitioner works on a person’s face.

To avoid harm, the patient and therapist should both use protective eye gear while the treatment is performed.

Risk of skin infection

Like with other cosmetic hair removal methods, laser treatment might induce an infection risk.

While it’s healing, the affected region should be treated as a wound. People who experience any symptoms of infection should visit a dermatologist.

Finally, if a condition develops, they should avoid using over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic creams on big regions of skin.

Rare laser hair removal side effects

Following are some of the less usual adverse effects that can occur after laser hair removal:

Burns and blisters

There’s a danger of burns and blisters if laser hair removal is done inadequately.

Burns and blisters are unusual when a competent professional performs the technique.

High-heat lasers are used in laser hair removal.

Before a laser is applied, a practitioner might apply a cooling device to the skin of a patient. This aids in the prevention of laser burns by limiting heat absorption.

Scars

Scars from laser hair removal are generally not seen. However, scarring may occur if the procedure is carried out by an unprofessional. This should not be a problem with most qualified practitioners.

Scars may also result if people do not properly care for the treated region after the procedure.

If you have sunburned shoulders, remember that they should be treated as if they had been sunburned to avoid additional harm. This entails moisturizing the afflicted skin, preventing it from light, and examining it for indications of infection on a regular basis.

Is laser hair removal safe?

The majority of those who use it report that laser hair removal is painless and safe. There does not appear to be any long-term health concerns linked with the treatment.

However, some individuals may experience mild unwanted effects following laser hair removal. Before having it done on a larger area of skin, people should ask their dermatologist to test how a little patch of skin responds to the therapy.

Those wanting laser hair removal treatment should only go to a licensed professional.

Is laser hair removal painful?

The skin may become red and painful for a few days following treatment. Many individuals describe the sensation as akin to a sunburn. The process itself, on the other hand, is rarely painful.

Does it work?

Although laser hair removal treatment works, it seldom result in complete hair loss. Laser therapy may reduce hair development quite a bit.

Many individuals only have hair-free skin for a few months following the initial treatment. The hairs will return, however they are typically finer, lighter, and less obvious than before.

Many people will require multiple treatments to achieve a more long-lasting or satisfactory result for unwanted hair. With each subsequent treatment, the hair may grow back lighter and thinner. It might eventually stop developing again after sufficient applications.

On black hair, however, laser hair removal may be more successful. People with light or blonde locks may not notice much of a difference because laser lights are attracted to dark hair and are frequently ineffective on fair hair.

To learn more about laser hair removal check our blog, Laser Hair Removal 101.

Laser hair removal during pregnancy

Pregnant individuals are not advised to have laser hair removal, according to experts. This is due to the fact that scientists haven’t conducted any human studies on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.

Pregnancy causes significant changes in a person’s hormones. This is frequently responsible for the development of extra hair in undesirable locations. While this change may be embarrassing, the hairs generally disappear on their own.

If you can’t get rid of your hair on your own, after pregnancy, a person may wish to seek laser therapy. Before they have the treatment, doctors may advise them to wait a few weeks after giving birth.

Myths about laser hair removal side effects

There are a number of untrue beliefs about laser hair removal:

Laser hair removal causes cancer

Cancer is not something that can be caused by laser hair removal treatment. The lasers are developed in such a way as to specifically target the hair follicles deep within the skin without damaging surrounding tissue.

The lasers utilized in laser hair removal do emit a tiny amount of radiation. However, there is no proof that laser hair removal treatment causes skin cancer and the radiation produced by these devices is not thought to be hazardous.

Laser hair removal causes infertility

There is also no indication that laser hair removal causes infertility. The lasers only go through the skin and do not touch or affect any other organs. Even in sensitive regions such as the groin, laser hair removal is typically safe.

Home kits are just as good as seeing a dermatologist

People who want to remove unwanted hair without seeing a dermatologist may use laser hair removal kits at home.

Many individuals may notice modest effects from utilizing these kits, such as fewer or finer hair. Home kits, on the other hand, are not comparable to professional medical devices used by specialists.

When to see a doctor

Those who are having adverse reactions to laser hair removal should contact their doctor. They usually can handle symptoms such as redness and swelling at home, but they should always notify a healthcare professional or dermatologist about any signs of skin infections.

Early symptoms are easier to detect and so may be treated quickly, which may help prevent any long-term effects.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, individuals attempting to get pregnant should consult with their doctor. A physician can help you choose between different alternatives by advising on the benefits and drawbacks of laser hair removal.

Outlook

When performed correctly, laser hair removal is both safe and efficient for the majority of persons. It may take several treatments to completely remove undesirable hair, and permanent hair removal is not always guaranteed.

Minor side effects after therapy, such as redness, swelling, and irritation, are generally treatable at home. Anyone who detects the symptoms of a skin infection should visit a doctor. Get started here today to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal.