Laser hair removal involves targeting melanin in hair follicles to diminish unwanted hair. Treatment typically lasts only 2-4 treatments before full results become evident.
It is essential that any procedure be performed by a certified practitioner; otherwise, this treatment can lead to burns and scarring if not performed correctly.
Redness
Experienced laser hair removal patients may notice reddening of the skin following treatments, due to heat transferred by light pulses onto their bodies. While the redness typically dissipates within several hours of therapy, for optimal results it is advisable to apply cold compresses and moisturizers directly afterward in the area treated by laser.
After your laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 protection factor or higher on areas treated. This can help avoid sunburn and any changes to skin tone in those areas.
If you have concerns regarding redness caused by laser hair removal sessions, it is best to speak to the practitioner who provided your treatment and ask what their recommendations would be in terms of duration and resolution of side effects. They will likely offer insight as to when and how long these may persist before dissipating altogether.
Unwanted facial hair growth can make us self-conscious, especially if it appears in awkward places such as under the nose, on the chin or neckline. Unwanted facial hair may even result in painful ingrown hairs if left to grow unchecked. Laser hair removal offers a safe and effective solution to unwanted facial hair growth, giving us confidence that our skin looks smooth and healthy all of the time and saving us both time and hassle of shaving, waxing or plucking every few weeks or months.
Swelling
Hair removal lasers emit heat that can temporarily cause inflammation. This side effect is short-term and can be alleviated with cold packs or baths to the area in question, or by not shaving for 10 days afterwards (this should reduce swelling too). You may experience some discomfort immediately following treatment but this should subside within 10 days; to help ensure maximum recovery it is important to keep the area free of makeup, deodorant, and cosmetics; also it is wise to apply high quality sunscreen on that part of the face that was treated.
After laser hair removal, itching is common and can be relieved with cool compresses or lotions applied directly to the area. Some individuals may also experience an unpleasant stinging sensation similar to rubber band snaps due to heat from the laser; in these instances acetaminophen (Tylenol) painkillers may help.
Laser treatments will often damage hairs to such an extent that it takes days or even weeks for them to shed from the skin, leaving behind patches with shorter, finer locks than what was there previously. Once they do regrow again however, their growth usually tends to be lighter in both thickness and color than it had been.
Blistering
At first, laser hair removal sessions may cause some mild skin irritations that include the sensation of having been snapped by a rubber band and itchy or red patches on your skin that last up to 24 hours after treatment. You can manage these side effects by applying cold compresses and moisturizing affected areas regularly.
Though rare, laser hair removal may lead to burns on the skin. This may occur if the gel used with the laser doesn’t dry completely or the laser stays in contact with it for too long; or if darker skin tones or recent tanning make you more prone as melanin may inhibit its ability to target hair follicles effectively.
Blistering can be an indication of skin disease and lead to scarring, so it’s essential that moisturizing and not picking at blisters leads to faster healing times and prevents further infection. If a blister does not seem to heal correctly or does not seem to be healing correctly contact the clinic and speak with a doctor immediately.
Overall, most side effects associated with laser hair removal tend to be temporary and will subside with time as your skin heals. Some could linger longer depending on which practitioner performs your treatments or care steps taken prior to sessions and during them. If any questions or concerns arise during or after treatments, always reach out directly to the provider and request to speak to one of their on-staff physicians if required.
Itching
Laser hair removal often results in itching as one of its side effects, and this discomfort can be extremely frustrating. The itching is caused by heat generated from laser beams destroying hair follicles, and how this impacts on the skin’s reaction. Cooling creams that numb and soothe can provide temporary relief while in some instances even ice packs may help alleviate itching symptoms.
As picking or rubbing can result in scarring, moisturizing is also key to the healing process and should be used frequently with noncomedogenic moisturizers to accelerate it. Furthermore, direct sunlight exposure could worsen redness and itching further.
If you’re uncertain of what products would best meet the needs of your skin type and needs after receiving laser therapy, talking to your esthetician is recommended. Additionally, drinking enough water can also help decrease dryness and itching caused by treatments, while tanning or sunbathing before your appointment won’t do the trick – as laser treatments do not work effectively on tanned skin; also shave the area two days prior to scheduling as this can cause itching, tingling, redness, or other side effects;
Discomfort
Laser hair removal may cause temporary discomfort; however, this typically dissipates within hours or days and numbing gel or topical anesthetic can help ease symptoms. The most effective way to alleviate any further pain and discomfort from treatment is establishing an effective skin-care routine including exfoliation and moisturization with quality moisturizer.
Avoid irritation by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and covering the treated area with clothing when out in direct sunlight. In the days preceding treatment, tanning beds or any self-tan products that could irritate your skin should also be avoided; shaving would also be recommended but isn’t mandatory; waxing and plucking hairs in this area could compromise its effectiveness as well as decrease effectiveness of procedures like laser hair removal.
After laser hair removal treatments, it is common for the skin to feel slightly swollen and red due to laser burn. You may use an ice pack or moisturizing the area as part of the healing process, and an ice pack could provide temporary relief from discomfort. You may experience crusting but this is simply part of the healing process; prevent this by moisturizing regularly! If a scar doesn’t heal after a couple weeks contact either your physician or clinic that performed treatment and they may offer advice as soon as they have medical professionals on staff who could offer advice.
Infection
Laser hair removal uses a beam of light to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles. It works best on people with dark hair and light skin as the contrast makes it easier for the hair follicles to absorb heat and be destroyed. You may experience itching or redness during treatment as histamine is released; for these reactions an over-the-counter antihistamine may help relieve symptoms while soothing creams or gels can also be applied directly on top – Restorative Gel can be purchased both online and in clinic!
Your facial skin tends to be more delicate than other parts of the body, which may make it more vulnerable after laser hair removal treatments. To minimize irritation from laser treatments and protect it from sunlight exposure afterward, apply high SPF sunscreen regularly and utilize moisturizers on this area of the face.
Prior to receiving laser treatment, it’s advisable to shave the area. This will make it easier for the physician to extract hair follicles without harming surrounding skin or waxing/plucking the area beforehand. Furthermore, it is advisable not to wax or pluck before your appointment.
If you are contemplating laser hair removal, make sure that you select an experienced medical provider. Prioritize those registered with an umbrella organization which ensures they meet certain standards of training and expertise to reduce scarring risk as well as any long-term side effects.
