Laser hair removal is a non-invasive and permanent way to rid oneself of unwanted hair, using light as heat energy to target melanin contained within hair follicles and destroy it.
Some individuals experience burns after laser hair removal due to improper cooling of their skin. Although these burns usually subside without treatment, they could require medical intervention for quick resolution.
Pain
Laser hair removal can usually be completed in under an hour. Your dermatologist may use topical pain-relief gel or anesthetics beforehand to reduce discomfort; however, some individuals may still feel some form of burning sensation that can worsen when touching the area after treatment or exposed to sunlight afterwards.
Burning sensations associated with laser hair removal should subside after enough time has passed for healing to take place, though more serious discomfort should be addressed by seeking medical care and possibly having prescription painkillers prescribed that can provide some relief from discomfort.
Make sure that the physician treating you knows exactly what they’re doing, too. Some clinics may employ practitioners without certification or training on how to use certain equipment properly, which could result in burns. If this occurs to you, seek another practitioner immediately.
If you notice any adverse side effects such as blisters, it is essential that you inform the salon as soon as possible so they can assess if there was an error with their settings and offer instructions on how best to care for wounds at home.
Laser hair removal burns tend to be first-degree burns that resemble typical heat burns in appearance and severity, often red or dark brown in hue depending on their type. They often blister as a result, so it is essential that this area remain covered to avoid infection as much as possible and avoid popping the blisters, as doing so could result in further skin damage and further infection.
Vaseline or aloe vera should also be applied directly onto blisters to speed the healing process and help them remain moist. Be wary of using any products with bleaching chemicals – as the blisters heal they will return to their original color, making them less obvious over time.
Irritation
Some laser hair removal treatments can cause some discomfort to patients, including burning, stinging and pain. Technicians sometimes apply numbing cream to help ease this discomfort – although this may result in allergic reactions which lead to scarring or skin infections in some individuals.
Some patients also report experiencing itching post-procedure, typically caused by histamines in their skin and can be alleviated with antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec. Applying cool compresses or using soothing creams/gels may also provide relief.
If you’re experiencing discomfort after laser hair removal sessions, it is essential that you speak to your technician. They may recommend you schedule a follow up appointment, particularly at medically run clinics, so they can assess the area and advise how best to manage it.
Laser hair removal should produce only minor irritation, similar to redness and bumps that develop after waxing. Any redness should fade within hours after your session and can be managed using cooling gel, or you could try applying an ice pack to help reduce swelling and itching.
Many people find the advantages of laser hair removal far outweigh its side-effects, since it permanently eliminates unwanted body hair, significantly decreasing the need for shaving, depilation and waxing; and helping reduce pigmentation issues caused by excess hair growth.
Laser hair removal machines use laser light to target melanin found both in hair and skin cells, effectively targeting darker hairs without altering skin tone while lighter ones can be lightened or removed altogether.
Some patients may notice a change in skin color after laser treatments, particularly those with lighter complexions. This could be caused by hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or both – although any temporary effects should likely resolve quickly; should any serious changes appear it’s wise to notify your physician as soon as possible.
Discoloration
Laser hair removal treatments involve pressing a handheld device against your skin and activating a laser beam, which will cause a series of stinging sensations and may last anywhere from several minutes to over an hour depending on the area being treated. You may even smell burning hair or smoke during this process which is normal and indicates that heat from the laser is doing its work effectively.
If you experience laser burns, contact the clinic where you received treatment and request to speak with their manager or doctor immediately. They can advise on the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation; likely aloe vera or calamine lotion might be recommended to aid healing of the burn.
Discoloration is a side effect of laser hair removal that usually clears up within a week or so, caused by laser light absorbing melanin present in your hair. Darker complexions often experience this problem before consulting appointments are held or test patch tests are administered, particularly if self-tanners or sun tans were applied prior to test patch tests being completed.
Laser hair removal burns that are minor or moderate are unlikely to leave scars; however, serious burns may leave permanent damage behind. In these instances, it is wise to visit your nearest hospital accident and emergency department as soon as possible for medical assistance and treatment.
Laser hair removal can help you to effectively get rid of unsightly body hair and enhance the appearance of both your face and body. However, it is essential that you understand its associated risks so you can make an informed decision as to whether it’s suitable for you.
If you want laser hair removal done, it is imperative that you hire a highly-qualified and experienced practitioner in order to minimize risk of burns and ensure the procedure runs smoothly.
Scarring
Laser hair removal can be an effective solution to eliminating unwanted facial and body hair, but it is essential that patients understand its risks, such as blistering, skin discoloration, and scarring. Although rare, such side effects have occurred with some patients; therefore it is wise to consult a physician or dermatologist prior to undertaking laser treatment for hair removal.
Preventing skin irritation and redness after laser hair removal can be achieved by adhering to the pre- and post-treatment guidelines given to you by your practitioner. These may include applying lightening cream prior to laser treatment if you have darker complexion, as well as forgoing tanning sprays and similar products in the days before your appointment. In addition, moisturizing treated areas and forgoing shaving for several weeks post appointment can help ease irritation and redness associated with laser hair removal treatments.
After laser hair removal, skin may also become slightly scaly or crusty; however, this should only be minor and will likely go away over time. To expedite healing time further and expedite results quicker, apply moisturizing ointment directly onto affected areas as well as apply ice packs if possible. Some individuals may develop keloid scars; however, this rarely presents as an issue and treatment is typically straightforward.
If you find that there are permanent scars or marks as a result of laser hair removal, speak to the practitioner who performed your procedure immediately and seek assistance if they cannot help you. Otherwise, contact a medical provider or go directly to an emergency room.
Laser hair removal scars may take time to heal, and it is crucial that patients avoid direct sunlight after treatments as well as use broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen daily to help avoid further scarring.
Laser hair removal offers many advantages for people with damaged or sensitive skin, but may be harmful in its application to individuals who already suffer from skin disorders. Heat from laser beams destroy hair follicles, leaving blistered spots of skin. Unfortunately, this damage is more likely when treated at poorly run clinics or homes where less experienced practitioners might not use appropriate settings that suit your specific type of skin.
