Side Effects & Risks of Laser Hair Removal Treatment You Must Recognize
Aesthetics Daily – The most popular traditional methods of removing unwanted hair include shaving, plucking, depilatory, and waxing. However, these hair removal methods have side effects such as ingrown hair and annoying red bumps. In addition, traditional hair removal methods do not provide long-term effects. They are quite troublesome because you have to do repeated treatments.
Some people are starting to turn to more advanced technology treatments such as laser hair removal. In contrast to traditional hair removal methods, laser hair removal is done by a certified dermatologist or trained practisioner. Laser hair removal uses a laser beam which aims to inhibit hair growth by damaging the hair follicles.
The treatments that are offered at many aesthetic clinics are claimed to be safe and have long-term effects. However, the question of what are the side effects of laser hair removal treatment is still common.
What happens after receiving treatment? To find out, let’s dive into the common and rare side effects of laser hair removal treatment. Awareness of this is important so that you are more careful in choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
1. Redness and skin irritation
During the session, a laser beam is fired into areas of the body to remove unwanted hair. When the laser beam targets hair follicle, the body reacts. Many patients, especially those with sensitive skin, experience redness and irritation. The skin may be slightly swollen and tingling.
To reduce the occurrence of redness and irritation, the doctor will usually apply a topical anesthetic before firing a laser beam. Another way is by applying an ice pack to the treated body part. Both temporary redness and irritation should ease within a few hours.
2. Changes in skin pigment
Laser hair removal process is painless. However, some patients experience a sensation like sunburn during treatment. After that, the skin may appear lighter or darker.
People with light skin tones will notice darker spots. Likewise, people with dark skin tones will see lighter skin pigment changes. Over time, the changes in skin color will disappear on their own.
Rare Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
1. Eye injury
Lasers with powerful light can cause eye pain. Therefore, both patients and practitioners are required to wear protective glasses so that the eyes are not exposed to direct laser light. If this procedure is carried out correctly, this risk will not occur.
2. Scars
Scars can occur in patients treated by untrained practitioners. However, this risk is less likely if a qualified doctor performs the laser hair removal treatment.
3. Skin crusting
Rarely happening, skin crusting can occur in patients who are exposed to sun too quickly after treatment. To prevent this, patients can use a moisturizer so that this side effects do not last.
Conclusion
Like any other medical procedure, laser hair removal also has several side effects. However, the side effects of laser hair removal are only temporary and can disappear in a matter of hours. Some of the symptoms described above are not always experienced by all patients. It depends on several factors such as skin type, hair color, and the patient’s adherence to the procedure being performed.
Each patient experiences different symptoms after treatment. If you experience rare symptoms, you should see the nearest doctor for special treatment.
It is also important for you to remember that laser hair removal does not provide permanent results. To get optimal results, you need to undergo several treatments. Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women because of the lack of studies that prove that laser hair removal is safe for pregnant women and their babies.
Medically, laser hair removal is safe for removing hair on the upper lip, back, arms, bikini area, thighs and legs. Laser hair removal should not be done around the eyes. Only the surface of the skin is exposed to the laser light so it can’t cause infertility. In addition, the laser used in the process has minimal radiation so it cannot cause cancer disease.
Rare side effects of laser hair removal can occur if you use an un-certified and inexperienced provider. The risk also increases if you use at-home laser hair removal without properly following the instructions. Therefore, make sure you undergo laser hair removal treatment that is handled by a trained and trusted dermatologist.
