Laser hair removal treatment is an expensive modern treatment of removing unwanted hair by exposing them to a beam of light which destroys the hair follicle and almost ends their growth for a long period of time. The efficiency of laser hair removal has now been accepted by most of the dermatologists. It has been practiced in the clinics of skin specialists and well trained practitioners. Though this process is largely made safe and least damaging yet there are still some common side effects of the laser hair removal. The untrained practitioners and unsterlized equipment increase the chances of side effects. It also depends on the sensitivity and condition of your skin. Here are the common side effects that can be occurring during and after the treatment.
Short term side effects: the common short term side effects include itching, redness, pink skin and swelling around the area of treatment. Follicular edema that is the swelling in the hair follicles can also occur after the treatment. Some people pain during the treatment that is like pricking of a warm needle or stretching a rubber band against the skin. Many numbing creams available in the clinic can be applied on the area of treatment to avoid pain. All these side effects are short termed and don’t last for more than 2 to 3 days. You can rub an ice cube on the treated area after the treatments that will relief these side effects in less time.
Long term side effects: in rare cases: the laser hair removal treatment can cause long term side effects such as hypo or hyper pigmentation and burning of skin cells during the adjustment of laser light and its setting. Discolorations can also occur as a side effect but those who have darker skin tone are more proned to discoloration.
Flare of acne, purpura and infection on the treated area is also a rare risk.
All these risks can be reduced with treatment with appropriate laser light and it setting according to the skin type of the individual. The consultant should take a detailed history of the patient that will help in knowing the allergies. Avoid applying strong creams and hair removals gels on sensitive skin.