Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

While laser use for the removal of hair is considered to be a relatively safe process, people may experience some laser hair removal side effects. If you have had your laser hair removal treatment through a reputable clinic or center they will be able to explain what to expect after the treatment and when it is appropriate to seek expert advice from a doctor.

There are certain precautions and procedures that need to be followed both before and after laser treatments and a reputable laser clinic will advise about your requirements for both before and after care.

Laser hair removal works using a process known as selective photothermolysis. This means that pin point lasers target color or melanin in the hair follicle.

The energy from the laser converts into heat, causing the selective destruction of each hair bulb. As laser removal targets color in the follicle, blonde, red and grey hairs are usually not suitable for this type of treatment, however there are advancements in laser technology constantly and the types of skin color and color of hair that can be treated by laser is ever expanding.

It is still true that best results are seen by individuals who have pale pigmented skin and dark fine hair.

Laser removal is effective in permanent hair reduction for most people. After 4-8 treatments, from four to eight weeks between treatments, many people will see very little hair, if any at all. Following the first treatment, some clients experience up to a 30 percent reduction in hair in problem areas.

Common Myths about Laser Hair Removal Side Effects.

There are a number of myths associated with the common side effects of laser hair removal.

One myth is that the hair grows back after a year. If the laser hair removal treatment has been effective then the hair bulb will have been neutralized and therefore unable to produce hair again.

Another myth is that Laser hair removal is harmful to health, that laser treatments affects and damage the internal organs. The depth of laser used for permanent hair removal average penetration is 1-4 mm, it reaches only to hair follicles. At that point it then completely dissipates and never penetrates deeper. Laser destroys only hair bulb. The laser beam is sliding on skin surface not damaging it.

We have all heard the horror stories and seen the pictures. In the past there were some instances of permanent scaring, permanent patchy pigment color changes in the skin (excessively lighter or darker than before treatment) have were reported.

These problems were directly related to untrained operators and under informed clientele. Most of these types of problems where reported quite a few years back when the technology of the lasers wasn’t very advanced. 

These types of side effects now are rarely, if ever, reported. Redness of the skin for a day or two after is the most anyone will experience with the current technology and this is considered to be completely normal and nothing to be worried about.

The Most Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal.

The most common side effect of hair removal treatment is some slight discomfort in the form of some redness and swelling. This is a normal reaction and clients should not worry. Generally these side effects will only last up to 24 hours following treatment.

Some people may also experience mild irritation, stinging sensations and itching. Usually these post treatment symptoms only last a matter of hours and the laser hair removal clinician can be called for advice if you have any concerns about these types of symptoms.

Rare Laser Hair Removal Side Effects.

There are some more serious side effects associated with laser treatments, however these are considered to be rare. More serious side effects of hair removal can include hypo or hyper pigmentation. Hypo pigmentation refers to the skin lightening in treated areas and hyper pigmentation refers to the skin darkening in treated areas.

Hyper or Hypo pigmentation can be caused by excessive sun exposure immediately before, during or after laser treatment. Not using a reputable laser operator or being treated by an unskilled operator can also lead to more complicated laser hair removal dangers, improper use of the laser can be instrumental in causing post treatment pigmentation or burning.

To prevent bleaching or burning of the skin clients should avoid going in the direct sun for at least four weeks prior to treatment and at least four weeks post treatment. Clients should also ensure they remove any fake tanner on the treatment area.

Other factors contributing to laser hair removal risks include burning from the laser cooling device and misuse of the laser where the laser head is not perpendicular to the skin or properly cleaned and maintained. Incorrect laser setting or the incorrect laser for the skin type can also affect the final result. Darker skin types should be treated using a Nd Yag laser.

Extreme Laser Hair Removal Side Effects.

Extreme laser hair removal side effects can be seen from clients who are currently on a course of medications. For example, anti depressants, anti inflammatories or antibiotics. It is your responsibility to be truthful when asked if you are currently taking any medications in the consultation before the treatment begins.

Not all medications have an effect of laser hair removal, so it is best to be honest and take the advice of the hair removal clinician in relation to your current suitability to the laser treatment process.

Laser scaring can occur with people who have naturally darker tone to their skin or tanned skin when the laser is set too high or is not the right type of laser for darker skin types. While there are a few scattered reports of scaring in the past, the problem is rarely reported because of the advances in technology and quality of the lasers available today. There is specific laser equipment that has been developed for darker skin tones and a reputable clinic will have a varies of different lasers to suit different skin tones.  The lasers now also designed with the tolerance of skin in mind.

Another rarely reported problem were skin blisters, resulting from the skin absorbing too much heat from the laser application. Again, lasers are being designed now with this in mind to ensure skin damage is minimal. Lubricant gels are applied to the skin surface during treatment to keep the skin cool, reduce friction and minimize skin irritation.

In extremely rare cases, some people have reported what is called crusting. Areas that have been treated more than once is where this type of problem can occur. Skin areas that have been exposed to long pulses of ruby and alexandrite lasers are particularly prone to this. If this problem does occur, simply visit a dermatologist as soon as possible to clear it up.

What You Can Do to Reduce Laser Hair Removal Risks.

Always ensure that a consultation is offered before the treatment. If an operator just takes you straight in to the treatment room and asks you to disrobe with out a consultation, find another clinic. There are many things that need to be discussed including your suitability for laser hair removal, the expected length of each treatment, the expected number of treatments and the total cost estimate.

Inform the laser technician about your current medications and answer all questions honestly.

Do not sun bath for 4 weeks before your laser treatment and limit you sun exposure by wear clothes that cover and protect the skin from the sun’s rays. If you have experienced sunburn or sun exposure four weeks or less before a laser treatment, ensure that you tell the clinician and be honest about the type and amount of sun exposure you experienced.

If any allergies or infection happen immediately after a laser treatment, make sure you seek medical advice immediately. These unwanted side effects, whether temporary or permanent, should be carefully considered before making the final decision to have laser hair removal. However, all these can be reduced by asking a reliable medical expert with a proven track-record and a willingness to comply with pre and post requirements for a much safer and successful procedure. We hope you have gained some useful information about Laser Hair Removal Side Effects.