Laser hair removal is a widely used procedure that can eliminate unwanted hair for a long period of time. While this type of hair removal is more advantageous than the other more traditional hair removal procedures, you must know that it may also have a number of side effects.
Skin Redness
Laser hair removal will work on small portions of skin at a time, targeting each individual hair follicle. The procedure will irritate the skin and this can be red for several days following each session of hair removal.
The redness can be diminished with cold compresses. It’s also recommended that you don’t wear tight clothing on the treated area, as certain fabrics can cause additional irritation. Exposure to sun should also be avoided.
Skin Itching
The laser beams can cause skin itchiness, which may be present for two to five days after the treatment. Apply cold compresses or take a colder bath that will soothe the skin. Another method to soothe the skin is to use rubbing alcohol and massage this gently over the affected surfaces of skin. Use a cotton pad or a clean towel to spread the rubbing alcohol on the skin. Try not to scratch your skin, as this will only worsen the condition of the skin and may also cause irritation and even skin infections.
Swelling of Treated Area
The treated area will be swollen two to three days after the laser treatment. The swelling can be minimized if you use some cold compresses, avoid exposure to sun or take hot showers.
Skin Blistering
Skin blistering may be among the potential side effects of laser hair removal due to the excessive thermal abuse the skin is subjected to. Not all patients develop this side effect.
If you have blisters, avoid covering the area with clothes and allow the skin to breathe. Don’t apply pressure on the blisters; if these are ruptured, use some peroxide to disinfect the area and apply some antibiotic cream to prevent infections. To prevent skin blistering, many dermatologists will use cooling devices during the procedure. Other dermatologists may apply a cooling spray prior to the procedure; this spray will freeze the skin tissues.
Skin Crusting
One in 10 patients that undergo a laser hair removal treatment will develop skin crusting. This is due to the fact that the laser beams are applied over and over again on the same portion of the skin. Special ointments should be used on the skin to prevent further complications and side effects.
Hyperpigmentation
Dark skin colored patches may occur after a laser hair removal treatment. This is due to the fact that the melanin in the skin is stimulated by the laser beams.
Hypopigmentation
While in some patients the skin reacts with areas of hyperpigmentation, other patients may develop hypopigmentation. Discolored skin patches may be found, but typically, the skin will return to its normal color within two to three weeks.
