What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal has become a popular method of permanent hair removal for many people around the world. This technique uses highly concentrated light beams to penetrate hair follicles and destroy hair at the root. However, like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal can have side effects. In this article, we will examine the most common side effects of laser hair removal.

Immediate Side Effects:

Pain:

The sensation of pain is an inevitable side effect of laser hair removal, although its intensity varies significantly from person to person and from one area of the body to another. In fact, we all have different pain thresholds. One person may simply feel a light warmth in the treated area, while another may experience a sensation similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin with each pulse of the laser. What is certain is that laser hair removal on the legs is significantly less painful than on the bikini area. Areas where the skin is thinner are generally more sensitive to the impact of the laser. Additionally, certain areas of our body, such as the intimate lips, have more pronounced pigmentation, which can intensify the sensation of pain since the laser is attracted to the melanin in the skin.

Solution: Topical anesthetic creams are often used to help alleviate discomfort. It should be applied 40 minutes before the treatment.

Redness and Irritation:

Laser hair removal destroys the hair follicles in the targeted areas. This destruction can lead to redness and skin irritation in the treated areas. The skin may also feel more sensitive to touch and may appear slightly swollen or resemble a rash. However, these symptoms are generally temporary.

Solution: Apply a soothing gel specifically designed for post-laser treatment until the pain and heat sensation subside. Place ice packs or cold compresses on the area to soothe the pain.

Latent Side Effects:

Pigment Changes:

Laser hair removal can also lead to temporary or permanent changes in skin color in the treated areas. Some people may notice darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the skin. These pigmentation changes are more common in individuals with darker skin.

Solution for Hypopigmentation: While there is no specific remedy, the good news is that this type of depigmentation is not permanent. In the case of dark skin, using the Nd Yag laser may be recommended to reduce the risks of depigmentation (and burns).

Hyperpigmentation from Sun Exposure: If the skin is exposed to the sun before the session, there is a high risk that melanin will be activated strongly, leading to dark spots. The same risk applies if exposed after treatment.

Solution for Hyperpigmentation: Avoid sun exposure for at least 3 weeks before and 2 weeks after laser treatment.

Formation of Small Scabs:

Sometimes, scabs may appear on the hair follicles a few days after laser treatment. Despite their unattractive appearance, they pose no risk and eventually fall off on their own within a few days.

Solution: Apply a healing cream such as Polysporin or pure Vitamin E to properly heal the traumatized area.

Burns:

In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause mild burns or blisters. This can occur in several ways: improper disclosure of medical history or medications (it is very important to accurately fill out the personal medical history) – uninformed sun exposure – inappropriate products applied before or after treatment (it is essential to follow the specialist’s guidelines and report any changes in products used before and after the session) – abnormal settings adjusted by the specialist (more likely from an inexperienced person).

Solution: Contact the clinic treating you for guidance from healthcare professionals.

How to Minimize Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

There are several ways to minimize the side effects of laser hair removal:

• Choose a Qualified Professional: The importance of a qualified professional cannot be underestimated. An experienced specialist can help minimize side effects by properly adjusting the laser settings according to your skin and hair type.
• Follow Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Instructions: 3-4 weeks before the treatment, it is mandatory to avoid tanning and sun exposure. After the treatment, it is recommended to cool the skin with cold compresses and/or a post-laser soothing gel to reduce irritation.
• Use a Topical Anesthetic Cream: If you are particularly sensitive to pain, you can discuss the use of a topical anesthetic with your laser hair removal professional.