Laser hair removal can be an efficient and safe method to help eliminate unwanted hair. But like any medical procedure, there can be risks.
Discoloration (lightening or darkening) of the skin is a common side effect of medications like antidepressants, antibiotics or self-tanning creams, often accompanied by blisters and scabbing.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an incredible journey, yet also bring unexpected changes to the body that may be challenging and disconcerting. One such change for many pregnant women is an increase in hair growth in previously unseen places – most commonly on their stomach and legs – caused by hormonal shifts during gestation; this should stop once hormone levels return to normal six months post birth. If it is an ongoing issue for you, temporary solutions like shaving, waxing, threading or plucking might provide temporary solutions until then.
Permanent options should wait until after birth as no research has been conducted on laser hair removal during pregnancy and thus no definitive answer can be provided on whether it would be safe. Although most side effects should be mild, without specific study results it’s hard to know for certain.
Pregnancy can also lead to natural photosensitivity, in which your skin reacts more strongly than usual to light, potentially making laser treatment more painful or uncomfortable. A medical technician should be able to customize treatment so it won’t cause discomfort for these women.
Some women may also be sensitive to chemicals in depilatory creams, which is another reason they should wait until after giving birth before getting laser treatments. Such products contain ingredients which may irritate skin or even be absorbed directly into the bloodstream if applied during gestation, making these dangerous for an expectant mother’s wellbeing and potentially hazardous during this stage. Electrolysis uses electricity to destroy hair follicles; hence it should also be avoided during gestation.
Sunburn
Laser hair removal uses heat to target and destroy hair follicles, so if your skin has been sunburnt it’s best to refrain from receiving treatment altogether as exposure could make your body hypersensitive to heat and may react differently during treatment, possibly leading to burns and scarring during this process. Furthermore, heat from laser can worsen sunburned conditions further increasing its potential danger for health reasons.
Sunburned skin makes it more challenging for lasers to spot the pigment in your hair and remove it efficiently, as the light sees more melanin than necessary on your body and becomes confused as to which body part they should target. This is not recommended, particularly among people with darker skin tones who risk uneven results or hypopigmentation as this increases the risks.
Sun sensitivity may also be caused by medications and conditions, including oral contraceptives, most antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antipsychotics, cardiac medications and herbal remedies. If any of these apply to you it is important that your doctor be informed prior to proceeding with laser treatments.
Waxing, plucking or shaving an area before laser treatment should also be avoided as this can encourage hair regrowth and cause irritation. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should also be worn whenever going outside to protect the skin and maintain optimal results.
Hormonal Changes
Sometimes hormonal fluctuations can trigger excessive hair growth. If this is your issue, a medical evaluation may be required to identify and address its source; birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy could be the culprit, while in women PCOS could also play a part.
Pregnancy and menopause can also increase hair growth; postmenopausal women may experience rapid hair growth in both facial and genital areas during this period, though treatment options include medication or surgery for this issue.
Laser treatments work by absorbing light energy from pigment found in your hair and skin, then converting this light energy into heat energy, damaging the follicle that produces new hair follicles and making future production harder. This leads to further hair loss from follicles.
Women approaching menopause should consult a physician prior to seeking laser hair removal treatment, since during this phase of life their hair tends to turn white or gray and do not contain enough melanin for lasers to absorb.
Before your appointment, inform your practitioner of all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including antibiotics that could increase light sensitivity or risk of injury; Accutane could also potentially become toxic when combined with laser treatment.
Before receiving laser treatment, other medications to be avoided before laser surgery include retinoids, gold therapy for arthritis and anticoagulants. Patients with lupus or porphyria may experience increased photosensitivity; additionally it would be wise to refrain from lasering scabs or blisters as this could burn and scar your skin severely.
Allergies
Rarely, people allergic to laser hair removal may develop hives after treatment. Your esthetic physician can assist in managing any potential discomfort by applying cool packs and moisturizing frequently to the area in need. In some instances, taking allergy medication may also help alleviate symptoms.
Before your laser hair removal session, it is wise to minimize sun exposure in the areas to be treated. Tanning can confuse laser light for hair follicles and cause thermal damage. In addition, it is wise to avoid waxing or plucking any unwanted hairs in these areas – you must shave first so the laser can target those follicles more precisely.
Before and after each treatment session, be sure to moisturize the treatment area at least a couple times each day to keep it hydrated and avoid hot showers, saunas and steam rooms for several days after your sessions – these environments can irritate skin which could result in blistering and burns.
Some medications can interfere with laser hair removal treatments, so it’s best to stay clear of them in the weeks leading up to your appointment. This includes natural and herbal remedies as well as prescription and over-the-counter drugs like antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), retinoids and immunosuppressants.
Setting appropriate expectations and working with a certified technician are key components to successfully undergoing laser hair removal treatment. If you want to eliminate unwanted body hair, schedule a consultation at LH Spa & Rejuvenation today! Our expert dermatologists will discuss your goals and develop an individualized treatment plan designed specifically for you – plus we can offer maintenance sessions to catch any stray hairs missed by our laser.
Cancer
Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective method to eliminate unwanted hair when performed properly, however there may be temporary side effects which should be anticipated so you can prepare accordingly and make an informed decision that will best benefit your health. It’s important to recognize these side effects so you can prepare accordingly and make an informed decision that meets all your health criteria.
After laser hair removal, one of the first side effects that may occur is irritation of the skin. This is a normal reaction and should fade within hours with moisturizer or cool cloths applied directly. Some individuals may also experience rubber bands snapping against their skin which should stop soon after the laser session has completed.
Redness and swelling are often side effects of laser hair removal treatments, typically caused by histamine reactions that will diminish over time. If discomfort remains after laser hair removal treatments have concluded, speak to your practitioner to explore ways to alleviate any further discomfort. Bruising and scarring may occur; these side effects can often be minimized through post-treatment care of the skin.
Medical professionals recommend avoiding sun exposure after laser hair removal treatments, particularly for people with light skin tones who are more vulnerable to sunburn. Individuals with lighter complexions may experience discoloration that darkens or lightens after receiving laser therapy; more sensitive individuals may even develop blistered spots or blistered crusting on affected parts of the body.
Other causes of skin damage may include medication and autoimmune conditions. Individuals living with Lupus or Porphyria – two inherited disorders which affect pigmentation – should avoid laser treatments while pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should avoid receiving laser hair removal treatments.
