Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

red dots after laser hair removal

Laser hair removal often results in redness, itching and small raised bumps due to damaging or killing hair follicles causing your body to react by reacting differently and reacting against damaged follicles causing your skin to react accordingly.

Some dark spots may appear on your skin due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a process most common among darker complexions. While this condition is not harmful and will likely fade on its own in a matter of days or weeks.

Red Dots

After your laser hair removal treatment, it is normal for your skin to appear red with inflammation and bumps. In such an instance, cold compresses and moisturizers should be applied. Furthermore, it’s also vitally important that direct sunlight be avoided during this timeframe.

As part of your procedure, you may experience a slight stinging sensation or what feels like someone snapping rubber bands against your skin from laser energy emitted by it. This energy causes pigments in your skin to break and may leave behind lighter patches where treatment was given; these side effects are completely natural and should fade over time.

Follicular Edema refers to small red and bumpy spots seen after laser hair removal as a side effect of laser treatment, and can often occur as part of it. As hair follicles respond to heat from laser light treatments they swell as a response and this causes red bumps on your skin – this is actually a positive sign as it means they are responding positively!

Plucking or waxing areas where you had laser treatments during this phase is vital in order to maximize results from laser hair removal, and speed up the return to baby-bare skin. Instead, wait until after your series of laser treatments and then only pluck or wax as absolutely necessary; this will help ensure maximum efficacy from laser hair removal! Stubble (dead hairs emerging from their follicles) should appear 5-30 days post treatment; exfoliation can help this process speed up.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed or infected, leading to red bumps and pus-filled spots on the skin. Sometimes this infection is caused by bacteria; other times by fungus or virus; it most commonly affects dark-skinned individuals; untreated cases may lead to permanent scarring; it also spreads easily from person to person; so those who have had previous episodes should use caution when shaving, waxing or using razors on themselves or their bodies.

Laser hair removal may cause a reaction that resembles folliculitis in some individuals, when its heat opens the pores to let in hair, dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and other debris into the body. As a response, acne-like rashes develop as the body attempts to rid itself of these particles through sweat glands or skin pores.

Doctors can treat an outbreak of folliculitis with antibiotics or antifungals. A topical cream with hydrocortisone may reduce swelling and soothe skin irritations. Warm compresses may provide temporary comfort. Scrubbing or picking at lesions will only worsen matters further, while health care providers may make small cuts in order to drain out an infected boil or carbuncle before covering it with a sterile dressing.

Before and after laser treatment, it is vitally important to limit sun exposure as sunburnt skin may discolor after treatment and increase your chances of scarring. You should also refrain from plucking, shaving, or waxing the area as this could disrupt hair follicles and disrupt treatment outcomes.

Folliculitis can be avoided by following these tips. Gently cleansing the treatment area daily with mild fragrance-free soap can help ensure it remains clear. Wearing loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics may help minimize friction. Taking regular shaving breaks and cleaning your razor blade regularly can reduce bacterial growth in the skin and further prevent future outbreaks of folliculitis. Alternatively, laser hair removal could provide another effective option that eliminates problem follicles without harming surrounding tissue – an effective measure against future outbreaks!

Blisters

Blisters may develop following laser hair removal, sometimes leading to scarring. Blisters form when the heat from the laser vaporizes water present on the surface of your skin, creating blisters. While not a common side effect of laser hair removal, blisters may form and be painful; to avoid infection and hasten healing time it is best to wait for them to burst naturally over several days; until then it is wise to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and protect the area with sunscreen or clothing that blocks ultraviolet rays.

As soon as laser hair removal begins, the initial signs of discomfort typically include redness and small bumps that resemble minor burns on the skin. These irritations typically last 1-3 days after treatment and may be managed with cool compresses or ice packs applied directly over the treated area; cooling creams/ointments may also help soothe it further.

Once irritation subsides, follicular edema may set in. This condition involves swelling around individual hair follicles and can be troubling initially; however, its duration should only last several hours to several days. If prolonged or evidence of serious damage arises it’s wise to notify the practitioner who provided your laser hair removal treatment immediately.

Some crusting may develop after laser hair removal, particularly among people with darker skin tones. This indicates that the laser was not correctly used and, left unchecked, can lead to scarring if it goes undetected. For best results it’s essential to keep affected areas moisturized, avoid intense exercises, and refrain from scratching to reduce chances of scarring or scabbing in treated areas.

Avoiding complications during laser hair removal can be dramatically reduced by following the pre- and post-treatment instructions provided by your clinic, including staying out of direct sunlight and using sunscreen with a high SPF, not shaving, plucking, or waxing treated areas for six weeks post session.

Burns

Laser hair removal treatments may cause burns in some instances. These range from minor reddening of the skin to blisters forming quickly – which are considered first-degree burns similar to typical heat burns. To minimize risk and ensure you receive quality treatments, the best approach is selecting an experienced technician from a reputable clinic, following their post-treatment care instructions closely, avoiding excessive rubbing or scratching of your skin during treatments and following these care guidelines as directed post treatment care instructions; additionally avoiding unnecessary contact between technicians and clients helps ensure infection prevention.

If your burn mark won’t go away, seek medical assistance or get in touch with a beauty center immediately. They may offer treatments or referrals. Until then, try cooling it with a cold cloth. In addition, it is vital to wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure in order to protect the affected areas from further sun exposure.

Burns sustained from laser hair removal are often caused by overexposure of the skin to its concentrated heat energy; this overexposure may lead to blistering or scarring and should be prevented with careful preparation and aftercare following each session.

Burns during laser hair removal can occur when using high-powered lasers with inferior equipment. It’s vitally important that a qualified practitioner at a reputable clinic equipped with top-of-the-line machinery be selected. Furthermore, it’s vital that communication be kept open between yourself and your practitioner about how the procedure feels, with any adjustments being made as necessary.

Additional factors that increase your risk of laser hair removal burns include using razors prior to treatment sessions, active infections and preexisting skin conditions such as sunburn or dermatitis. Furthermore, physical activities which increase body temperature must be avoided for at least 24 hours prior to any laser hair removal appointments.

Laser hair removal burns can be painful and uncomfortable, but with proper precautions taken and care provided to heal them as quickly as possible without leaving scarring or marks behind.

Share This Article