Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to address unwanted facial hair. But it may cause temporary side effects like redness, swelling, scabbing and changes in skin tone that should fade with time if you follow your laser professional’s treatment protocol. These side effects should only last temporarily and can easily be avoided by following their instructions for best results.
Redness
Laser hair removal works by absorbing the color pigment (pigment) of unwanted hair. Unfortunately, this process can leave your skin red or irritated – though this risk should be minimised with modern laser technology – it should nevertheless be aware of as it could occur if using at-home laser kits or unqualified practitioners to perform your treatments.
Laser light works by targeting both hair and surrounding skin simultaneously, so it is crucial not to use one on naturally or artificially tanned skin, avoid tanning beds prior to your laser session, and shave two to three days before starting treatment.
If you are concerned that redness on your skin could be related to laser hair removal treatments, contact the practitioner who performed them for more information and advice on how best to approach and address it. They should be able to offer insight as to why it may have occurred and provide support in managing any potential issues that may have come about as a result of treatment.
Discoloration of the skin is another side effect associated with laser hair removal, although this usually subsides quickly. If these adverse reactions persist longer-term, this could indicate that the laser was inappropriate for your skin tone and complexion.
A laser that does not seem to be targeting your skin type correctly could indicate either that its setting was inappropriate for it, or that your technician is unqualified in using the machine correctly.
Therefore, it’s essential that when choosing a clinic that you ensure it has experienced doctors running the business and offering laser treatments tailored specifically to your skin type. You should also check that any practitioners registered as meeting certain standards of training, skill and insurance. This will allow you to avoid those practitioners taking advantage of their position by offering cheap deals or back door offices.
Swelling
Once laser hair removal treatment has taken place, it’s not uncommon for the skin to swell up and crust up due to perifollicular edema – a condition in which fluid collects around hair follicles after treatment has taken place. This indicates that enough energy was absorbed to disable the growth cells; swelling, redness and stinging sensation typically last only a day or two following this type of therapy.
If you want to prevent side effects like swelling, take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ice packs may also help. In order to minimize swelling further, avoid rubbing or scratching the area as this will only worsen it further.
Laser hair removal may cause skin discoloration around the area treated. This could be either temporary or permanent; though rare, it could occur for those not taking proper care with their skin post treatment and those with darker complexions.
Laser hair removal may result in scarring if done incorrectly or used on damaged skin, so it’s crucial that practitioners registered on an appropriate board with extensive experience with laser hair removal are chosen as practitioners.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential to first clear away all makeup, lotions, oils and other products from the area being treated. A technician will then apply a numbing cream so as to minimize discomfort during treatment. Furthermore, for best results it is advisable to limit sun exposure for several days leading up to your procedure; laser can damage skin that has already been exposed.
Before getting laser hair removal, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history with the practitioner. Some medications, supplements and essential oils may cause photosensitivity. Also inform them if you have had herpes simplex infections as this increases your risk for complications and could need special consideration from them when creating an individualized treatment plan for you to ensure lasting damage is avoided.
Blisters
Laser hair removal sessions performed by trained dermatologists are generally safe and effective; however, there can be side effects; some minor while others more severe or even scarring in nature. It is essential to understand what these can be and how best to treat them.
One of the more frequently observed side effects of laser hair removal is skin irritation caused by its heat emissions. After treatment, red and irritated patches will develop in the area treated. To alleviate any further reddening and discomfort post-treatment, cooling cream containing aloe vera or other natural ingredients should be used, and protection must also be worn while going outside.
Laser hair removal may cause blisters as an unwanted side effect. Blisters typically appear on darker complexions or when the tip of the laser probe does not contain enough cooling agents to prevent superficial burns, and may cause discomfort and irritation but usually heal on their own within one week. It is essential not to pop these blisters as doing so could introduce bacteria into the wound and potentially lead to an infection.
People undergoing laser hair removal sessions may notice pigmentation changes to their skin following treatment, often with darker complexions experiencing darkening or lightening of skin tone as a result of laser therapy. While this effect is usually temporary, you should notify your dermatologist as soon as it occurs for further advice and discussion.
Laser hair removal should not be performed on individuals with dark complexions or very dark hair as the laser could potentially irreparably discolor their skin due to melanin’s absorption of heat from the laser, discoloring their entire area of treatment and potentially leaving behind permanent discolorations scars.
Rare side effects of laser hair removal may include fever, burns and blisters if used incorrectly or by untrained individuals – this is why it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist rather than opt for an at-home laser kit for laser hair removal.
Discoloration
Laser hair removal may cause temporary changes to skin tone and/or scabbing. While these side effects usually disappear within several months, discoloration from heat from laser beams destroying hair follicles could result in this side effect; additional irritation after your treatment could also trigger this side effect, making it essential to adhere to post-treatment guidelines provided by your laser professional.
Before and after laser hair removal treatments, you should avoid makeup and sun tanning, moisturize your skin regularly to help avoid scabbing or skin tone changes, and any products containing retinoids or harsh chemicals which could increase side effects from laser hair removal. If any serious adverse reactions arise after treatment, be sure to visit a dermatologist immediately.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is vital that the skin be completely numbed. This can be accomplished in various ways such as using ice packs and applying numbing cream; also avoid shaving or plucking prior to an appointment as this could cause pigmentation issues and potentially result in scarring issues.
If you have tanned or dark skin, laser hair removal treatment could lead to discoloration due to how the laser light affects more than just your hair follicles; in turn, this could make your skin appear darker after treatment; unfortunately this effect is often hard to reverse.
Damage from laser treatment could damage surrounding tissue, leading to scarring. This may result in hypertrophic or keloid scars similar to acne scars that can often be treated in similar fashion. After receiving laser treatments it is highly advised that you use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection whenever outside.
No one expects laser hair removal treatments to cause severe side effects; however, any serious or long-lasting side effects should be discussed with your practitioner immediately. If this occurs for you, contact them as soon as possible for advice and treatment options.
