Most men and women require six to eight laser treatments for optimal results. Your practitioner will apply laser light via handheld device pressed against the skin; it feels similar to having small rubber bands flicking at it.
On occasion, laser treatments may cause skin irritation; this usually subsides within hours and some individuals even report slight color changes after laser treatment has taken place.
Skin Discoloration
Experienced laser hair removal patients may notice slight discoloration following treatments, although it should typically fade within several days. For optimal results consult with a dermatologist immediately if it persists after this time frame.
Laser treatments may cause skin discoloration in darker-skinned people due to laser energy dissolving pigment in their skin and creating similar discomfort as having sunburn, though this side effect should not be harmful and it can be covered up using moisturizer or sunscreen after laser hair removal.
Some individuals may also experience crusting of their skin in the treated area due to insufficient coldness of the laser’s probe tip; taking a cool bath or applying an ice pack may provide temporary relief from discomfort.
One symptom of skin damage caused by laser treatment or pregnancy or melasma can be hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, both of which can occur either after laser treatments themselves or due to pregnancy-related issues or other melasma related conditions. These issues can be resolved by avoiding direct sunlight, using lightening cream or bleaching treatments and following your dermatologist’s pre and post treatment instructions closely.
If you experience these symptoms after laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or picking at affected areas in order to avoid scarring or ingrown hairs. Instead, gently exfoliating this area may help clear clogged pores and keep skin clear. Also it’s advisable to use light moisturizer to minimize irritation and dryness in days following laser hair removal treatment.
Avoid skin damage when opting for laser hair removal by selecting an experienced and reliable provider who knows how to adjust their laser settings accordingly. In addition, staying out of direct sunlight and taking cold showers will help minimize acne breakouts. Also try changing your lifestyle to decrease sweating that traps bacteria against the skin – avoid wearing tight clothing during workouts unless absolutely necessary, and ensure to change them as soon as you’ve completed.
Swelling
Laser hair removal treatments may cause swelling similar to that experienced after getting sunburnt, though this should subside within a day or two. You can help ease swelling by applying aloe vera gel or 1% hydrocortisone cream directly onto the affected area; also make sure you use high SPF sunscreen on a daily basis to protect yourself.
Laser hair removal requires you to place a handheld device against your skin to activate the laser beam, which may feel similar to rubber band snapping against it. Treatment typically lasts anywhere between a few minutes and an hour depending on the size of the area being treated.
Laser heat can harm or burn the surface of your skin, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and tingling in the treatment area. This is known as a histamine reaction and should subside over time; you can speed this process along by regularly applying cool compresses or an ice bag wrapped in towel over this area.
As part of your laser hair removal procedure, it is crucial that you follow your physician’s instructions for preparation and aftercare. They may advise avoiding products which increase skin sensitivity to heat (such as makeup, lotions, deodorant, sunless tanning products and numbing creams) for several days prior to each session. You should also refrain from activities such as exercise, sauna use and hot tub use which could raise body temperatures.
Laser treatments may cause temporary bruising for some patients. This occurs as the laser heat ruptures hair follicles within targeted hair follicles; this typically only lasts a few minutes in most cases; if this persists longer than expected it is best to contact your provider, particularly if they offer medically supervised clinic treatments.
Be wary of spas or salons without a doctor overseeing them and all treatments offered. Be sure to ask the provider what lasers they use, their experience level, qualifications etc. are.
Redness
Laser hair removal treatments may cause redness and swelling as part of their recovery process, though this should dissipate within days on its own. You can speed things along by applying cooling cream or ointment recommended by your clinic; to alleviate pain further use a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen every day to protect yourself.
Heat from laser energy can alter the pigment of skin, darkening or lightening it as it penetrates. This is more prevalent among those with darker complexions but anyone can experience these changes; usually temporary but sometimes permanent changes occur as a result of laser treatments.
If you are concerned about how laser hair removal treatments might alter the color of your skin, consult with a physician or dermatologist and request that they test it on a small patch before performing it on all of your body. This will give them an idea of how your body reacts to laser treatments as well as any potential long-term side effects which might be detrimental.
Some patients can experience red, swollen, itchy skin after receiving laser treatments, due to irritation caused by its heat. Though not considered serious side effects, this discomfort can be alleviated with cold compresses applied directly onto your skin as well as using an appropriate steroid cream prescribed by your provider.
Once laser treatments are over, most patients can immediately return to work or other regular activities. It is best to cover and avoid sun exposure until your area has healed, and hot showers and baths should also be avoided as these can open pores and make hair follicles more sensitive. It is vital that you follow instructions given by your laser provider as they will have expert knowledge regarding what treatments are safe.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to quickly get rid of unsightly body hair without resorting to shaving, waxing or other methods of removal. In addition to saving time in terms of ongoing maintenance needs, it also saves precious moments on a regular basis!
Itching
Heat from laser treatment causes pores to open up. But as skin heals, they may close back up again – leading to breakouts like acne. This typically happens in areas lasered, due to dead cells becoming trapped beneath its surface; keeping treatment areas clean and using gentle face washes may help alleviate this situation.
Laser hair removal treatments often cause itching as a side effect, however this should only appear in the area being treated. A cool compress or anti-itch cream may help ease itching caused by laser treatments; otherwise, most individuals find relief within days or a few weeks; otherwise it is wise to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Some individuals may experience temporary changes to their skin tone following laser hair removal sessions, including darker or lighter patches on certain parts. Though such effects should not cause concern, drastic differences could warrant additional care if they become excessive.
If you have light hair and dark skin, tanning prior to laser hair removal sessions is advised as too much sun exposure can increase the risk of side effects and sun damage. When going outdoors after treatment with laser hair removal, high SPF sunscreen must also be worn to avoid sun damage.
Laser hair removal pain can feel similar to being hit with a rubber band on your skin; this pain may differ between people. While usually much less intense than shaving or waxing your legs, laser hair removal can still be very uncomfortable for some individuals.
After undergoing several laser hair removal treatments, most women will experience very minimal unwanted hair remaining. It is important to remember that active follicles in those areas remain active and could produce new hair growth; waxing or shaving may still help deter new hair growth; but only after all the laser sessions have been completed.
Laser hair removal can be an efficient and safe procedure when administered by an experienced medical professional, although multiple sessions may be required before its full effectiveness can be realized. Anyone interested should discuss their goals with their doctor prior to scheduling any sessions and they can advise them of other alternatives that can achieve the same goals with less side effects.
