Laser hair removal can be a highly effective treatment to combat unwanted hair growth. However, it’s essential to understand its side effects before beginning this treatment plan.
Due to damage done to their follicles during this procedure, many people experience redness or irritation similar to sunburn; it should subside shortly afterwards and may lead to skin crusting as a side effect.
1. Changes in Skin Color
Laser hair removal focuses on targeting unwanted follicles of hair to destroy and stop future growth, ultimately leading to less hair being produced overall. Most people see results after multiple sessions; most experience 10-25% less growth upon completion. Unfortunately, laser hair removal may cause side effects which depend on your practitioner and any measures taken against or for them.
Redness, irritation and possibly rash are usually signs that hair follicles have been destroyed; these symptoms will typically subside after a few days. Lighter-skinned individuals may notice darker spots while darker-skinned people might see lighter ones; any changes should not be cause for alarm; anyone experiencing them should consult with a physician or dermatologist immediately.
Scarring is another potential side effect of laser hair removal, although this side effect should be rare when performed by a qualified practitioner. Scars may form if the affected area is not treated properly afterward by applying moisturizer and protecting from sunlight as well as being checked regularly for signs of infection or skin breakdown.
People suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome or using hormone replacement therapy might notice scarring more frequently during menopause’s early stages due to hormonal fluctuations caused by these conditions.
Individuals considering laser hair removal should perform extensive research when selecting their practitioner and clinic, making sure they’re licensed, experienced, reputable, and cheap deals and back door offices are avoided. Individuals should test a small patch of skin first in order to see how it reacts before embarking on full treatments.
2. Swelling
Laser hair removal works by targeting and safely damaging hair follicles that produce unwanted hairs, so they no longer grow. While this may cause temporary redness and swelling of the skin, this side effect usually resolves quickly after treatment has finished and does not last long; it affects people of all skin colors but more commonly appears with darker complexions.
If you plan to have laser hair removal performed on a large area of your body, conducting a patch test before beginning is strongly advised. This allows you to see how your skin reacts and ensure that there are no unpleasant side effects from treatment. In addition, choosing an experienced practitioner who can deliver safe and effective results without complications is of equal importance.
Heat from laser treatments can also clog pores, leading to pimple formation. This happens when dead skin cells and bacteria cannot escape their pores and remain trapped beneath the surface of skin. Ensuring you keep moisturized and out of direct sunlight will help minimize this side effect from happening.
Some individuals also develop scabs and blisters after laser hair removal, which could indicate infection and is more likely to occur for those who do not take proper care in caring for their skin after the procedure. It is recommended to keep affected areas clean and apply an anti-inflammatory cream in order to minimize inflammation in affected areas.
Though scars may not be an everyday side effect of laser hair removal, it is still wise to be aware that they could occur. This is particularly likely when performed by unqualified practitioners; therefore, for optimal results it would be beneficial to consult a dermatologist who is familiar with offering laser treatments.
3. Blisters
As laser heat destroys hair follicles, blisters may form around areas that have been burned by laser light. Blisters are not usually painful and should be left alone; they will typically dissipate on their own within about a week. If discomfort arises due to blisters caused by laser therapy, an antibiotic ointment may provide temporary relief.
It is essential that any areas where you have experienced a burn are protected from sunlight. Doing this will reduce further complications from developing, as well as using sunscreen with a high SPF when venturing outdoors.
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to ask your physician about using a numbing cream during laser hair removal treatments. While this may add cost, this approach provides one of the safest ways to minimize side effects from occurring.
Before your laser hair removal treatment begins, it is necessary to shave the area that will be targeted. In addition, avoid tweezing and plucking any unwanted hairs during the weeks leading up to your session; then shave on or shortly before the day or night of your session and moisturize thoroughly afterwards.
Laser hair removal involves pressing a hand-held laser instrument against the skin. Depending on which laser device is being used, there will be either a cooling device or cool gel available to protect your skin and minimize discomfort during this procedure.
If you have had herpes, prior to seeking laser hair removal it is wise to consult with your physician first, as the infection could potentially recur and increase recurrences of unwanted hair in the treatment area. Furthermore, pregnant women should refrain from laser hair removal due to hormonal changes which can increase abdominal hair growth.
4. Infections
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment that can keep unwanted hair at bay for much longer than shaving, waxing, or plucking alone. Using concentrated light beams to target pigmented follicles and damage them permanently stops future regrowth of unwanted strands. While safe and no anesthesia are usually required to get this procedure done, minor skin irritation or redness can occur from laser heat while some individuals may also experience swelling post treatment – these should subside within hours or can be minimized using an ice pack on affected areas if necessary.
People who undergo laser hair removal may notice that their skin becomes darker or lighter following the procedure, due to differences between hair color and tone of skin tone. While these changes may be temporary, they rarely pose serious health risks.
Laser hair removal infections may be rare, but they could arise if you fail to follow your physician’s pre- and post-treatment care instructions properly. Signs of infection include redness, swelling and burning sensation. If any such symptoms arise call your physician immediately.
Note that laser hair removal only removes the outer layers of skin; it doesn’t kill hair follicles and therefore can still produce new hair growth. If you are trying to become pregnant, consult with a healthcare provider prior to beginning laser hair removal; multiple sessions may be necessary before seeing permanent results from this method of hair removal. They will provide guidance and advise if necessary regarding alternate solutions or how many sessions should be expected before you can expect permanent outcomes.
5. Changes in Hormones
Laser hair removal should not be seen as permanent; some unwanted hair may reappear within several years but will typically be much lighter and finer than before. If this does happen, regular maintenance treatments are advised in order to keep it under control.
Rarely, laser hair removal may cause pigment changes (skin darkening or lightening), cold sore outbreaks, blistering and scarring if an improper type of laser is used or exposed to too much sun after the procedure. To minimize risks related to laser hair removal it’s essential that a qualified practitioner be used and that treated areas remain moisturized and out of sunlight as often as possible to ensure success.
Laser hair removal may lead to hormonal imbalances for some individuals. This risk may be especially prominent among women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who use hormone replacement therapy, and in postmenopausal and menopausal women due to dropping estrogen levels.
Unfortunately, these side effects tend to be mild and temporary; they won’t pose any immediate danger. You should still consult a dermatologist about them prior to seeking laser treatments in order to determine if this option is the best choice for you. Also remember to use an effective numbing cream on any sensitive areas as this will help ease discomfort – something available both in drugstores and online.
