Many side effects can appear after a session of Laser Hair Removal. Usually are temporary and insignificant; however, if they are lasting, you should consult a dermatologist.
Irritation and Redness
The lasers utilised for laser hair removal target and damage the hair follicles. Usually, the skin responds by presenting irritation and redness on the treated area. However, sometimes the skin could sting or could look a bit swell and may feel sensitive. Those types of symptoms are not lasting and are similar to waxing sessions. Typically within a few hours, any reaction after the treatment will disappear. Ice packs or a cool bath could help with swelling and redness.
Crusting
After the laser hair removal treatment, a few people experienced crusting on the treated area. Crusting could be treated by moisturising the area with aloe vera to avoid scabbing or potentially scarring the area.
Uneven Skin Colour
A few times, people with lighter skin type following the laser hair removal treatment will notice darker pigmentation changes, or people with darker skin type could experience lighter pigmentation. However, these are temporary changes, and within a few days, the skin colour will return to normal.
Eye Irritation
The lasers used for laser hair removal treatment are strong. Both the patient and practitioner should wear protective black glasses, as the injury can be caused severe, and without them, both are at high risk. No treatment should happen without protective eye equipment.
Skin Infection Risk
After a laser hair removal treatment, there is a risk of skin infection because the hair follicles are damaged on the treated area. People must report to a dermatologist if there are signs of infection, and It’s suggested to look after the treated area as they would in case of a wound while it heals. Any antibiotic creams are not suggested to be applied if not prescribed.
Uncommon side effects
Some rare side effects following a laser hair removal treatment involve the bellow:
Burns and blisters
This can occur if the treatment has been performed by an inexperienced practitioner or has not been done correctly, but also with wrong laser settings. In addition, the lasers are producing heat to destroy the hair follicle, so most of the new lasers machines are equipped with cooling devices to prevent burning the skin.
Scars
Laser hair removal usually is not causing any scar if done correctly. However, if the practitioner is inexperienced or not qualified with NVQ Level 4, but also not well trained can create accidentally scarring. Nonetheless, scars could occur if the treated person doesn’t follow the aftercare properly. The damaged area should be treated like a sunburn to prevent further scarring. It’s suggested not to expose the affected area to sunlight, to keep it moisturised, exam and report if there is any indication of infection.
