Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal According To A Dermatologist

Laser hair removal is a very safe procedure if done under the supervision of an experienced dermatologist. The quality of the laser and the person behind the laser, are very important, remember, it is your skin in question here. The same laser and technique can have different results if an untrained professional is using it. So make sure you do your research and talk to people who have got it done in the past for finding a trusted laser clinic/doctor to ensure good results. It may be tempting to go for a procedure that isn't very expensive, but the side effects of laser hair removal can be severe if not performed by a trained professional.

One of the most common questions people have in their minds when thinking of undergoing laser hair removal is the pain factor. Well, of course, that should be considered, because threading and waxing are quite painful. So will this be more painful than that since it's offering a permanent solution? According to our expert, pain in the procedure depends on the type of laser and settings used. Earlier laser hair removal machines would have a mild painful sensation similar to that of snapping a rubber band. But as technology progressed, the pain associated kept on reducing and now completely painless lasers are available.

Now let's talk about side effects of laser hair removal. Within the first-week post laser, dead hair is shed and can cause tiny pimple-like bumps known as folliculitis which is caused by irritation of the skin. If done on a very dark complexion or by an untrained person, burns and subsequent scarring are also possible. The most common side effect of laser hair removal is immediate redness and some bumps which usually subside within 1-2 hours. These effects are minor and are often similar to what you might notice even after waxing. Overall irritation should disappear within hours of the procedure. Try applying ice packs to help reduce swelling. You should call your doctor if you experience symptoms beyond slight irritation or if the side effects do not settle down or get worse over time. When a laser procedure is done, the hair is shaved and then the laser is applied. Within the first week post laser, dead hair from within the skin shed off. These hairs feel prickly to touch and can cause tiny pimples like bumps known as folliculitis which is caused by** irritation of the skin**. It will usually subside with the application of an antibiotic cream applied post-laser. If it doesn't, get in touch with your doctor. Another side effect of laser hair removal is a change in skin colour. Some people may notice minor color changes to the treated area of skin. Most commonly, the treated area becomes lighter as the laser also targets the melanin in the skin. But if you expose the skin to sunlight without adequate sun protection post laser, the chances of pigmentation in the treated area is also possible. These** laser hair removal side effects **tend to fade away over time, and the skin returns to normal. Although rare, burns and blisters are one of the side effects of laser hair removal. It usually happens if laser hair removal is not done correctly. This is why it is important to note that this treatment should only be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. It is also seen in darker complexions where the melanin of the skin absorbs higher energies of the laser, thus causing a blister. It is important to not pick on the blister if it occurs to avoid scarring. Scars are not a common side effect of laser hair removal. However, if the laser is done very aggressively, then scarring can occur. Because your skin is delicate and sensitive, special care should be taken during the procedure. Scars are usually a burn and are seen as brown spots which usually go with treatment. Yes, you read that right, but don't be alarmed. Laser hair removal, as you know, involves the use of powerful lasers, this means your eyes could be at risk, especially when removing facial hair. This could end up being one of the side effects of laser hair removal on the face. It is very important to wear protective eye goggles during the procedure by both the practitioner and client for safety and protection.

Every skin treatment, be it natural or in a clinic, is always surrounded by myths. You will always hear people saying that it is bad for your skin or health or it can lead to serious diseases. There are a lot of myths about laser hair removal too, allow us to debunk them for you.

The laser used in this procedure passes through the skin cell to target only the hair follicles in the layers of the skin. There is no research to prove that laser hair removal can cause cancer. Having said that, a small amount of radiation is produced during the procedure but it's not harmful and no evidence of it linking to cancer has been found yet.

As mentioned above, the laser only works on the skin; it does not affect any other organ in the body. So, it would be wrong to say that it can cause infertility. Laser hair removal is quite safe, in fact, if you decide to get it done on sensitive areas such as your private parts, it is considered to not be harmful at all.

These days, home laser hair removal kits are also available for those who don't want to visit a dermatologist. However, the safety and effectiveness of these kits are highly questionable. Many people experience average results from these kits, the hair growth is lighter or finer because they are not as powerful as the ones available at the dermatologist's clinic.