Laser hair removal can be an excellent solution for individuals suffering from excess body hair, such as those suffering from hirsutism or hypertrichosis (conditions caused by hormone imbalance).
Before embarking on laser hair removal, it is important to fully understand its risks and potential adverse reactions. Before proceeding with treatment it is also crucial that you familiarise yourself with its contraindications list.
1. Pregnancy
Laser hair removal is typically not advised during pregnancy due to lack of research on its long-term effects on an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, before booking any laser treatments it would be a good idea to inquire with your clinic about their policy regarding pregnant patients and laser treatments – they may accommodate you up to a certain point but some clinics may impose limits or have cutoff points depending on how far along in your gestation you are.
Pregnancy hormones can have dramatic effects on your body. Soft and smooth skin may become mottled with hair in unexpected places like stomach or nipples; this is caused by an imbalanced hormonal environment; however it’s quite normal.
However, this can be extremely disconcerting as even though this temporary hair is only intended to remain so for a limited amount of time after giving birth, it can still be challenging to keep up with regular shaving, waxing and depilatory cream use. Also keep in mind that some of this hair will likely remain after your hormones return to normal postpartum so it is wiser to wait before seeking more permanent solutions like laser treatment.
Laser treatment should also be avoided if you are taking photosensitising drugs, including steroid creams, certain antibiotics such as tetracyclines and analgesics such as ibuprofen. If any medication can affect light wavelengths and photosensitivity is being taken by you, such as photosensitising drugs or any analgesics affecting light wavelengths such as analgesics such as ibuprofen, seek advice from your GP before proceeding with laser treatment or any treatment procedures on your skin.
Before undertaking any type of laser treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult a medical provider first. This is particularly important if you suffer from active infections such as psoriasis or eczema as these conditions make your skin vulnerable to laser treatments which could result in complications if administered at that time.
2. Sunburn
If your skin is sunburnt before or during laser hair removal treatments, it may become more sensitive to heat and result in complications during treatments. Any reputable clinic would not treat sunburned skin; rather, they recommend postponing sessions until healing has taken place to avoid burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, for two weeks post-laser sessions it’s wise to limit sun exposure by staying out of tanning beds entirely and applying UVA/UVB protection sunscreen frequently with regular reapplication as part of routine skincare maintenance regimen.
Informing a licensed medical technician of any medications or supplements you are taking is important, as some could interfere with laser hair removal results. This includes natural remedies like herbal teas and vitamin C supplements as well as antibiotics. Also be honest about any drugs which photosensitise when exposed to ultraviolet A light wavelengths; such as oral contraceptives, many antibiotics, anticancer medication and even some analgesics like ibuprofen.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is best to refrain from using products designed to darken your complexion as well as waxing or plucking the area. Furthermore, it may be wise to schedule it during winter or another season when spending outside will be less likely – this may especially benefit those who suffer from naturally pale skin that easily burns under direct sunlight.
At your consultation with Body Details’ licensed medical technician, they will assess if you have natural photosensitivity and what medications could interfere with treatments, helping prevent side effects. However, should any unexpected reactions arise that are unknown, seek medical advice immediately and do not hesitate to seek treatment as soon as possible. For anyone still wondering whether laser hair removal is right for them a free consultation session can be booked with them today – click here now to book one with Body Details today.
3. Any other skin condition
If you have an underlying skin condition, it’s essential to inform your practitioner prior to laser hair removal as medications could alter how your body reacts and increase the risk of side effects. Antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), retin-A, and blood thinners could all make your skin more susceptible to light used during laser hair removal treatment.
People suffering from psoriasis, vitiligo, bleeding disorders, severe histamine reactions or dermatitis should avoid laser hair removal treatments. Furthermore, it’s essential that all healthcare practitioners know of any other conditions which could impact upon your treatment and its results.
Before having laser hair removal it’s essential that you protect the area where you will be being treated from sun exposure and shave the area beforehand, as the light used for laser hair removal absorbs easily by dark skin tones; this could reduce effectiveness or even cause irreparable harm during treatment.
Before receiving laser treatment, it’s wise to refrain from waxing or plucking hair as this may remove hair follicles, making them harder to grow back after treatment has concluded. Also inform your practitioner if taking any medications that could react negatively with UV rays and increase sun damage risk.
Laser hair removal doesn’t cause skin cancer; instead, its low-level radiation only targets pigment cells in hair follicles and leaves no permanent scars on skin or other organs of the body. There’s also no evidence to suggest it causes infertility as its minimal exposure cannot reach or damage any other parts of the body.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to manage unwanted hair growth, and for many it is their preferred solution. However, laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone and its contraindications should be carefully considered prior to proceeding with any procedure. If any doubt exists or you require medical advice about undertaking the process please seek professional guidance or go directly to an Accident and Emergency department; having laser done by experienced practitioners should usually suffice.
4. Any medications
Although laser hair removal is generally safe, certain medications can increase its risks. Therefore, it is essential that you inform your practitioner of any and all medications you are taking — even those not related specifically to laser hair removal — so they can take appropriate measures and adjust accordingly.
Many antidepressants and pharmaceutical medications have adverse reactions when exposed to UV rays from sunlight, including phototoxic and photoallergic side effects that may prove hazardous in laser treatment sessions. Therefore, it’s recommended that patients avoid UV radiation for at least four weeks before their appointments and cease any medication that reacts with sunlight exposure such as antidepressants.
Some vitamins and supplements may interfere with laser treatment, including Vitamin E pills which may increase bleeding and bruising risk. Therefore, it’s recommended to discontinue taking them a few weeks prior to your appointment as well as any omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Before your laser treatment, it is essential that the area that will be targeted has enough hair for targeting by the laser – just be careful not to cut too close as this could harm your skin. Also avoid plucking or waxing for several weeks prior to going under as these activities disturb hair follicles that absorb energy from laser treatment and could interfere with them being targeted by the laser’s energy.
At each visit to your dermatologist for treatment, goggles must be worn to protect your eyes from laser light and prepare yourself for some pain during the procedure. Although you should expect minor discomfort during this session, which could feel similar to a series of small stings or anesthetic cream application before beginning, larger areas might take several sessions before they have achieved results – the more frequently you visit, the higher your chance is of permanently reduced hair growth.
