Hair removal devices use light that damage only the pigment in hair follicles; their skin remains undamaged. People with lighter locks and darker complexions are most at risk from side effects.
Select a technician registered with an organization which ensures their skills meet set standards of training and experience.
Pigment Changes
Some laser hair removal treatments have the potential to cause pigment changes on your skin, which while cosmetic may impact your self-esteem.
Pigment changes usually result from damage to the skin from medical conditions, chemical exposure or injuries. While some pigment changes are reversible while others are permanent; medications or topical products may help improve them while some require professional treatment to reverse.
As well as sun damage, other causes of pigment changes include melasma, hormonal acne, and certain medications (retinoids) being taken by individuals that cause pigment changes on skin pigmentation. If any medical condition or medication may be altering your pigmentation levels, consult with a physician first before considering laser treatment as an option.
Laser treatments increase the risk of pigment changes for those with darker skin tones. Patients in Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV are at an increased risk for side effects from using lasers compared to lighter-skinned people; there may also be an increased likelihood of experiencing redness, rash or hives as a result of laser treatment for darker-skinned individuals.
If you have an inflammatory disease that alters the pigment of your skin, laser treatments should be avoided until its symptoms have been controlled. This is also applicable if taking certain drugs that interfere with how your body produces and uses melanin – such as metallic salts and alkaptonuria medications – such as they could alter how melanin production or usage occurs in your body.
Uneven pigmentation is an inevitable part of aging, but you can lower your risks by limiting sun exposure or applying SPF 30+ sunscreen on all of the areas where you plan to treat. Furthermore, it’s wise to select a dermatologist with experience treating pigment changes caused by conditions like melanomasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in order to make treatment more successful.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in treating melasma and other conditions affecting pigmentation. At her boutique New York City office, she excels at restoring even-toned complexions for her patients while using laser treatments to reduce any unwanted pigment changes that arise.
Scarring
Laser hair removal treatments may lead to scarring if they are performed incorrectly or on skin already injured by burns or other forms of trauma, like scrapes. Scarring may also occur if those conducting the laser therapy lack skill or experience to administer it effectively.
Under the care of an experienced dermatologist, however, these risks are minimal – that’s why it is vitally important to select an expert with years of experience and advanced training in this field.
Before initiating laser treatments, it is also necessary to shave the area as the laser works by targeting pigment in hair follicles; too long hair could confuse it for pigment in skin and burn it off accidentally.
Laser hair removal may cause the skin to become red and irritated; however, this usually only lasts a short while and should pass once treatment begins. If symptoms continue for any prolonged amount of time, visit your physician who should examine and reevaluate settings on the laser machine.
Heat from a laser destroys hair follicles, rendering them incapable of growing new hairs. But over time, their bodies regenerate healthy hair follicles – in this period, a patient must refrain from plucking or waxing around this area.
Laser hair removal treatment may prove challenging in certain conditions, including when treating tanned or dark skin, since laser light cannot differentiate between dark pigment and the surrounding skin. Therefore, prior to beginning any procedure it is vital that you consult with a physician and document all relevant medical details about yourself and the procedure itself.
However, other side effects associated with laser hair removal treatments can include darkening or lightening of skin tone, cold sore outbreaks, blistering and scarring. Herpes simplex infection or keloids are more prone to these side effects; to achieve the best results it is important to heed expert’s advice by limiting sun exposure and using moisturizer. It is also wise not to pick at scabs or crusts formed following treatment as this could further complicate matters.
Infections
Laser hair removal treatments may cause infections, though these are rare. To reduce the risk of infection and maximize results, it’s essential that you follow all pre and post treatment instructions, including limiting sun exposure in the days prior to and post-treatments as well as using appropriate sunscreen protection on any treated areas.
Prior to having laser hair removal performed on an area, it is recommended that shaving should be performed instead of waxing or plucking to preserve both pigment and root of hair and decrease risk of ingrown hairs. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of shaving gel or cream should be applied prior to shaving the area for maximum comfort and no irritation occurs during treatment.
Laser hair removal often causes redness and irritation due to heat from the laser damaging hair follicles, but this discomfort usually dissipates within hours or less. Some individuals also report experiencing tingling sensations or crusting on the affected area – these side effects should dissipate over time as well.
Skin color variations may also occur as a side effect of laser hair removal, with targeted areas becoming darker or lighter after treatment. Although most patients don’t mind this change, if any extreme variations arise it should be reported immediately to their healthcare provider.
Blistering, crusting and scarring are less frequent but still possible side effects of laser hair removal treatments. They’re more likely to occur if you have dark complexion or don’t take adequate measures to limit sun exposure after treatments; or have conditions like rosacea or psoriasis which contribute to hyperpigmentation – in these instances seeking medical advice from someone experienced in laser treatments may help treat them effectively. A dermatologist with expertise in treating laser treatments as well as knowledge about your specific condition should provide appropriate treatments that fit.
Changes in Skin Texture
Some typical side effects of laser hair removal treatment may include irritation, pink skin or redness around the follicles (follicular edema). If these side effects become bothersome or prolonged, speak to your physician.
Few patients report experiencing changes to skin texture following laser hair removal treatments, usually as an indicator that not all hair follicles were addressed by the laser beam. While this can be disconcerting for people with darker skin tones, this issue usually resolves itself over time with subsequent sessions.
An additional cause of skin texture change may be an underlying medical condition like rosacea, which enlarges pores and makes the skin appear bumpy or rough. Rosacea can also create pus-filled spots which resemble acne blemishes – and these could even be mistaken as permanent scarring!
Before opting for laser hair removal treatment, if you suffer from rosacea it’s wise to consult with a doctor first. They may recommend an ointment that will control its appearance and help prevent future outbreaks of spots on the skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal treatments may lead to more serious side effects like PIH or blisters; the risk increases if using home laser kits or seeking services from providers without full qualification.
One effective way to lower the risk of more serious side effects from laser treatment is wearing high-SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen daily. You should also try not tanning before beginning laser treatments and discontinue use of any sunless sun creams.
As part of your laser hair removal sessions, it’s essential to discuss your medical history with the person providing treatments, including waxing, plucking and electrolysis. Also discuss any medications taken. Blood thinners may increase risks of hyperpigmentation and scarring due to laser hair removal sessions; this issue should be managed accordingly by following medical advice and working with qualified professionals; check whether your provider meets specific standards regarding training, skill and insurance with an online register that verifies them as qualified providers.
