Laser Hair Removal Side Effects And Risks

Are you tired of trying temporary methods for removing unwanted hair yet hesitant about laser hair removal treatment due to the possible side effects? If yes, you need to gain insight into the laser hair removal side effects, to make confident and informed choices.

Laser hair removal is an innovative treatment. It benefits those seeking freedom from periodic, painful, and messy options for managing unwanted body hair. This treatment is popular for its long-lasting results for hair-free, smooth skin. Thus, understanding the adverse effects of laser hair removal helps separate facts from myths, empowering you to opt for this procedure confidently.

In this article, we will discuss how safe this procedure is and the minor side effects of laser treatment for hair removal, which you should know about. Also, discover the potentially rare but more severe risks of laser hair removal to make an informed decision.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Laser hair removal is generally a safe procedure for men and women above 18 of all skin colours and hair types. Dermatologists recommend laser hair removal for all body areas, like arms, legs, back, chest, shoulders, neck, ears and even sensitive zones like the face, underarms and private areas.

However, it is important to ascertain that you are consulting a qualified dermatologist who will perform the customised laser hair removal treatment using the latest USFDA-approved laser technology.

Reputed clinics follow safety protocols to ensure that you experience only some minor laser hair reduction side effects, like temporary redness or inflammation. These typically subside very fast and on their own without any medication or expert intervention.

However, there is always a risk of developing a severe complication of laser hair removal if it takes place without strict medical supervision or if you use at-home laser devices, and expert dermatologists do not customise it based on your skin tone, hair type, cause and body area. Hence, seeking treatment only from a qualified and experienced dermatologist at a reputed clinic with a proven track record is vital for a safe treatment experience and the best results.

Also, understanding the expected side effects and those that need immediate attention is a must before the procedure.

Common And Minor Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal:

Some people experience a few laser hair removal disadvantages in the form of minor side effects, which do subside within a few hours or days. Some of these common side effects include the following:

• Redness And Irritation:

Exposure to high-heat lasers can cause redness. This is similar to what one experiences after any other hair removal process, such as waxing or threading. Usually, dermatologists apply topical anaesthetics and cooling gels before the procedure and suggest cooling compresses afterwards. Ice packs help the redness subside fast.

• Skin Discolouration:

Darkening of skin is a common side effect in people of lighter skin tones. This pigmentation goes away in a few days with adequate post-care.

• Crusting:

Some clients may experience a temporary crust formation on the skin. It could be due to the skin’s reaction to the laser energy or premature exposure to the sun. Applying pure aloe vera gel can help soothe this minor complication of laser hair removal. Using sunscreen is a must after undergoing laser hair removal to prevent this side effect as our skin become photosensitive after the treatment.

• Itching:

Mild itching may occur post-treatment, usually resolving on its own. It is best not to give in to the urge to scratch as it may cause redness or scarring.

• Changes in Skin Texture:

Some individuals may experience temporary changes in skin texture. This resolves within a few hours on its own. In fact, completing the recommended sessions can help you achieve silky, soft, hair-free skin.

• Mild Swelling:

Minor swelling in the treated area is normal and typically subsides within a few hours. An ice pack application helps treat mild inflammation.

Rare And Severe Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal:

Here are some rare but major side effects of laser treatment for hair removal. These usually occur if you opt for laser hair removal at home or in salons. The presence of a dermatologist is critical to the safety and efficacy of the laser hair removal treatment. They customise the treatment plan and decide the number of sessions you need. They carefully select the laser wavelength and the number of shots best suited for you and share detailed pre- and post-care instructions to ensure you don’t have any major side effects and downtime. However, many salons, at-home services and small clinics use obsolete or inferior lasers to offer attractive laser hair removal packages that may involve a high risk of the following side effects:

• Ingrown Hairs:

Dermatologists plan your treatment to help you achieve a permanent reduction in hair growth and density by systematically targeting hair in the growth phase. Therefore, they advise multiple sessions based on your unique hair growth cycle. Seeking laser treatments at home or in salons with medically unqualified professionals will make ingrowth unavoidable. Damaged hair follicles will result in body hair growing irregularly after getting trapped underneath the skin surface. This usually occurs in areas with coarse hair.

• Blisters And Burns:

Blistering or burning of the skin may occur due to incorrect heat settings or inadequate cooling during treatment. This typically happens due to the negligence of the professional performing the treatment or inferior technology that does not allow customisation of laser intensity based on skin type and hair colour. Reputed clinics charge a premium as they have qualified dermatologists and sophisticated technology for prioritising your safety and comfort.

• Scarring:

Although extremely rare, scarring can occur due to improper treatment techniques, incorrect device usage or pre-existing skin conditions. A lack of pre- and post-care often also results in scarring.

• Eye Injury:

Inadequate safety measures and eye protection can cause severe eye injury. It may even lead to vision impairment. Always make sure you have the protective gear on before the session. Medical supervision is mandatory to avoid such major laser hair removal complications.

• Skin Infections:

Infections are rare but possible. Improper laser treatment may aggravate existing skin infections or cause secondary infections. A dermatologist is the best person to assess your skin condition before planning your laser treatment to rule out any infections and adverse reactions.

Laser hair removal is a scientifically proven procedure to achieve hair-free skin. However, it is best to consult a qualified dermatologist at a reputed clinic equipped with the latest USFDA-approved technology to avoid laser hair removal side effects. Remember, premiere clinics charge a premium for the expertise they offer. Laser hair removal treatment is a one-time investment for life-long results, and so skin safety should remain non-negotiable.

Keep reading for more skin and haircare updates!