Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

Laser hair removal, four of today's most popular methods of unwanted hair removal, is, like any other hair removal system, not without its risks. Although it's proven effective & safe for the majority of patients, laser hair removal cannot guarantee success for all skin & hair types. A patient's individual skin conditions, hair density, skin color, as well as the type of laser being used for treatment can all have an effect on the final results. The side effects most often experienced by laser hair removal patients are minor & temporary. However, there's rare cases where more serious side effects can occur. By informing yourself of these side effects & their possible causes, you can decrease the chances of experiencing them during treatment.
Normal Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

Patients most often document experiencing these minor side effects during or following laser hair removal treatments:

* Redness – after treatment, temporary redness of the skin can occur for 1-3 days on treated areas.
* Swelling – slight swelling or irritation is possible at the follicle site post treatment, dissipating in 1-3 days.
* Itching – itching or discomfort can occur on treated areas during laser sessions.
* Slight Pain or Tingling – lots of patients document that the sensation of laser hair removal can be likened to the light snapping of a rubber band against the skin. While few find it painful, the sensation can vary depending on the sensitivity of a patient's skin; for sensitive-skinned patients, most laser clinics provide a topical anesthetic cream or spray to numb the skin.

Rare Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

These side effects are experienced less often by patients, & should be brought to the attention of a doctor or laser technician if they persist after treatment:

* Bleeding or Scabbing – sometimes laser hair removal can irritate hair follicles, such that slight bleeding or the formation of scabs occur. This is often only an issue when areas are being over-treated.
* Infection – if treated areas are not cleaned & disinfected properly prior to treatment, & post-treatment, a minor infection can set in.
* Bruising – patients with sensitive skin may experience slight bruising on treated areas.
* Burning – burns to the skin are most often the result of improperly performed laser hair removal, or because a laser was used inappropriately on a specific skin & hair type. In such cases, the laser's energy gets absorbed by the skin than the hair itself & causes burns.
* Changes in Skin Pigment – like burn side effects, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin tone) & hypopigmentation (lightening of skin tone) are rare to occur if laser hair removal is performed by an experienced technician, & by using the correct laser technology. If the laser's energy is absorbed by the skin tissue than the hair follicle, it can either stimulate or inhibit melanin production, thus darkening or lightening skin tone. While this side effect is painless, the results can be permanent unless corrected through other skin treatments. Both hyperpigmentation & hypopigmentation are found to be a greater risk for tanned or dark-skinned patients.
* Purpura – the appearance of small purplish spots, the result of bleeding underneath the skin, is a possible side effect for some patients, but it is usually as temporary as bruising.

* Decide what your laser hair removal goals are, choose what treatment areas you are interested in exploring, & research the different laser hair removal options before scheduling a consultation with a hair removal provider in your area. This will better inform your decisions from the get-go, & enable a laser specialist to better assist you in realizing your hair removal goals.
* Fully discuss your hair removal options with a laser specialist prior to treatment. An experienced technician or doctor is best qualified to analyze your specific skin conditions & hair type; then decide if the laser technology they provide will successfully & safely remove your unwanted hair. They will also be able to accurately inform you of the risks you are susceptible to.
* Have a professional laser hair removal provider perform your treatments, & follow all of their instructions before & after treatment to yield the safest, most successful results. By opting for an at-home laser hair removal kit, or by trusting a non-credible source to perform your laser treatments, you are increasing the chances of enduring ineffective results & various painful or unattractive side effects

Because patients react to laser hair removal differently, the best way to decrease the likelihood of experiencing laser hair removal side effects, minor & severe, is to take positive measures.
Preventing Side Effects