Laser treatments for hair removal can be very successful, yet you should still take precautions against possible side effects that could include redness, itching, swelling and changes to skin color.
Laser treatment damages the follicles in a targeted area, prompting it to react by producing irritation in its response. As a result, you might notice tenderness, tingling or slight swelling; or it might look as though an area has been waxed or plucked.
Redness and Irritation
Redness and irritation are part of the normal healing process following laser treatment, typically lasting from 12 to 72 hours after each session. Affected areas may become itchy or sting, and should only last a couple days at most before becoming relieved with cool compresses or cool baths. Crusts may form over the affected region which may become uncomfortable and cause scabbing when scratched too vigorously – however moisturizing lotion can prevent such long-term issues from developing further.
Laser treatments employ intense light to destroy hair follicles. Although multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve results, overdoing it may reactivate dormant follicles that had previously been dormant prior to treatment with laser. It is therefore crucial that only working with fully qualified practitioners who will perform tests first on a small section of skin before treating an entire facial or body area with laser.
Lasers’ high heat can create blisters when used incorrectly, though this is rare with today’s cutting edge technologies. To minimize their risk of blisters before and after laser therapy sessions, people who want to decrease the likelihood of them should avoid direct sunlight for 10 days prior to and post treatments and shave on the day of each appointment while only using water-based cream or ointments for their session sessions.
Infections following laser treatment are an unfortunate reality, though it’s much less likely when using a qualified practitioner and following their provider’s recommendations. This infection could be bacterial, viral or fungal and might include cold sore outbreaks caused by herpes virus; additionally it might have already existed prior to being exposed to laser light therapy.
Laser treatment has the potential to trigger headaches in some individuals. Other side effects may include temporary muscle spasms, mild fatigue or nausea that typically resolve within hours – however pregnant women should refrain from receiving laser treatments as this could pose risks to the unborn baby.
Skin Crusting
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular dermatological procedure for the long-term removal of unwanted hair. When administered by qualified practitioners, it generally has minimal side effects; however, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects associated with laser hair removal before beginning. These may include skin crusting, changes to complexion or minor infections.
Skin crusting refers to the formation of an elevated, rough area filled with dried fluid such as pus, blood or serum that has hardened in place on your skin surface. While rare in its manifestations, this ailment can be uncomfortable and even lead to scabbing if touched or scratched too harshly; to help mitigate further problems it’s wise to apply moisturizers regularly to keep this delicate skin area soft and comfortable.
Changes to skin pigmentation are an infrequent yet frequent side effect of laser treatments. To minimize permanent pigment changes from occurring, it’s essential to protect your skin with SPF 30 sunscreen immediately following a laser session and keep it moist while limiting sun exposure; keeping moist will also help prevent permanent pigment changes from happening.
Blistering is an infrequent yet common side effect of laser treatments, typically appearing around where they were conducted. If this does occur it’s important to avoid picking at or popping the blisters as this increases risk of infection and use wound healing cream for faster healing times.
Minor infections can be an unwanted side effect of laser treatments if your skin is not treated afterward appropriately. It is therefore vital that after each session you follow your technician’s aftercare instructions carefully to help protect yourself against infections. To reduce risk, avoid harsh exfoliants or scrubs, as well as avoidance of harsh scrubs/exfoliants post treatment and follow all aftercare guidelines given to you by them.
People looking into laser hair removal should first consult with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure they are suitable candidates. A dermatologist can conduct a small patch test to gauge how well a patient responds, and may inform them of potential risks or complications they should be wary of during this type of cosmetic procedure.
Minor Changes in Skin Color
Laser treatment can cause significant changes to skin tone and texture. Some may notice their pigmentation lightens or darkens after laser hair removal treatments, particularly among those who do not avoid sun exposure or shave prior to and after treatments; it is more likely with ablative lasers but non-ablative ones can still result in these side effects.
On rare occasions, laser hair removal can leave some itching behind; this usually subsides with medication and rest. To minimize scarring risks associated with picking at any scabs that form post-treatment, avoid overscrubbing the area by picking at or scrubbing at any scabs that form and use moisturizer to keep the area hydrated – both are great ways to help.
At times, infections caused by laser treatments can arise in the area being treated. This is more likely among individuals using salon-type devices that do not abide by proper safety procedures or adhere to doctor recommendations – another reason to visit only qualified medical spas or doctors offices for these procedures.
People may notice their skin becoming yellow, green or grey after laser hair removal sessions due to damaged cells producing melanin. Usually this doesn’t pose much of an issue provided their therapist uses an appropriate laser machine and follows all recommended protocol for their specific skin type; generally the issue resolves itself within several days.
People with sensitive skin may notice their treated area has changed slightly from what it looked like before treatment, likely due to increased sensitivity caused by heat from laser therapy; this effect can be reduced with cooling creams or ointments readily available at most drugstores.
On occasion, after receiving laser treatment they may experience an unexpected change to the shape of their eyelids – known as ectropion – known to occur after laser use on their facial area. Unfortunately this cannot always be prevented but care should be taken after laser treatments to keep skin nourished with moisturizer, protect from direct sunlight, shave or pluck affected areas and use only approved skincare products.
Infections
Infections are one of the rare side effects associated with laser treatment, often caused by heat generated from laser beams causing pores to close off, trapping bacteria inside. Herpes virus sometimes comes out of dormancy and manifests itself with cold sores. Infections may be mild or severe depending on what caused them – improper laser usage being one potential culprit, as is keeping too close a laser to your eyes for example.
Not only are side effects rare and easily manageable if they do occur, the best way to prevent them is always having your laser treatments administered by qualified professionals. Should any adverse reactions arise it is important to notify your practitioner as soon as possible in order to discuss what actions are next steps should take place.
Skin discoloration can also be an adverse side effect of laser therapy. Your complexion could change slightly darker or lighter over time if you have light skin and spend lots of time outdoors in direct sunlight, especially if receiving treatments from an inexperienced clinic or someone who uses at-home laser kits.
Another potential side effect of treatment can be crusting of the treated area, which can lead to scabbing and scarring if neglected. To help your crusting heal as quickly as possible, treat it similar to a sunburn by applying cool water and moisturizing cream, and adding cooling gel if it helps soothe irritation.
Laser treatments typically cause redness and swelling that lasts several hours or days afterward, as well as possible bruising resulting from targeting blood vessels on your skin with laser. Blistering may occur less frequently when laser penetrates too deeply or hits certain types of pigment such as dark tans or freckles.
