No medical treatment is risk-free, and laser hair removal is no exception to this rule. Laser hair removal treatment is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced professional.
Nevertheless, there are risks associated with the treatment of laser hair removal, and the side effects can occur. It is advisable to know these details to be aware before submitting to this treatment, for this we will see each of the risks and how to reduce their likelihood, permanent and temporary side effects, as well as the disadvantages offered by laser hair removal versus other Techniques.
What Are the Permanent Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Permanent risks infrequently occur, especially if the practitioner is a low-skilled professional. With laser hair removal, there are risks of possible long-term or permanent damage to the epidermis. If you are one of those people, who are not willing to accept these risks as a possibility, even if remote, you should reconsider whether this is the most appropriate hair removal technique for you. Let’s list the possible permanent side effects of laser hair removal provided by experts at advanced beauty specialists:
Scars Because of Burns: Scars are one of the worst side effects to get, since the scars can be unsightly. The main cause of scarring is the laser itself. An infection after treatment can also cause the formation of scar tissue. Pulse laser hair removal systems can minimize the risk of scars after treatment.
Hypo pigmentation/Hyper pigmentation: These are changes in skin color, with hyper pigmentation being a darkening of the skin and hypo pigmentation a clearing. This is caused by an increase or decrease in the production and deposition of pigment in the skin. In the case of hyper pigmentation, the effects are generally temporary and can be treated with bleaching agents.
Injuries Due to The Laser: Eye injuries that can occur due to the laser occur on remote occasions. The safety of the eyes is essential when you have any type of laser treatment. The use of glasses suitable for the wavelength of the laser will prevent eye injuries resulting from direct or indirect laser contact.
Wound Infections: Wound infections only occur when the epidermis of the skin is damaged. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause infection. Antibiotic and antiviral creams should be used after treatment to minimize the risk of infection. The consequences of these infections can be critical and affect the overall health of the body.
What Are the Temporary Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
It is traditional for a few minors, temporary aspect effects to occur when treatment. These could include:
- Swelling around the treated follicles for about three days
- Mild pain, tingling, or numbness
- Itching in the treated area
Redness: This occurs in the treated area about three days after the treatment, is very common and is experienced by most people who have laser hair removal treatment. Laser exposure can create a wound in the dermis of the skin and cause the layers above the skin to redden. This side effect can be reduced by cooling the area after treatment.
The Bruises: Especially in the areas treated because of small numbness.
Hemorrhages: Skin bleeds appear as red/purple rashes on the skin. It can be caused by damage to a blood vessel wall. It is usually only temporary, which lasts about 3-5 days. If this happens, you should tell your doctor or nurse.
Crusting: May occur after treatment with certain types of lasers. It is essential to perform a post operative care and is recommended in cases where a long pulse ruby laser or alexandrite has been used.
How to Reduce the Risks of Laser Hair Removal?
Although these side effects are a possibility, there are measures that can be taken in the days or weeks prior to laser hair removal that will reduce these risks. The following tips are not intended to be a medical guide, but rather an informative guide.
In case you have a hormonal problem or herpes in the area to treat: You must inform the professional before starting the treatment.
Avoid tanning or unprotected sunbathing several weeks before laser hair removal. This is because results are maximized and side effects are minimized when patients go to laser hair removal with their skin tone as pale as possible upon initiation of treatment.
You should avoid jerking over the area to be shaved a few weeks before depilation.
Make sure the area is cleaning the day of laser hair removal: For example, if you are going to shave a certain part of the face, do not wear makeup.
You should always listen and give priority to the advice given by the professionals who are treating you as they will know your case and its specific characteristics. If you are not properly advised, ask what actions to take before treatment.
If you have had any problems or have indicated some other recommendation, do not hesitate to comment!