How risky is laser hair removal and what are its side effects?

Common side effects

• Skin irritation and redness: Laser hair removal damages the hair follicles, which may cause temporary inflammation, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area. This is normal and usually subsides within a few hours or days. You can apply ice packs, aloe vera gel, or a soothing cream to reduce the irritation. Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at the skin, as this may cause infection or scarring.
• Pigmentation changes: Laser hair removal may cause temporary or permanent changes in skin color, especially in people with darker or lighter skin tones. The treated area may become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin. This is more likely to occur if you expose your skin to the sun before or after the treatment, or if you use the wrong type of laser for your skin type. To prevent this, you should avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks before and after the treatment, and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You should also consult a qualified and experienced dermatologist who can choose the right laser settings for your skin.

Rare side effects

• Blisters, burns, and scars: Laser hair removal may cause blisters, burns, or scars on the skin, especially if the laser is too hot, the skin is too sensitive, or the treatment is done by an untrained or inexperienced person. These are serious complications that may require medical attention and may leave permanent marks on the skin. To avoid this, you should only get laser hair removal from a certified and reputable clinic, and follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully. You should also report any signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or pain, to your doctor immediately.
• Eye injury: Laser hair removal may cause eye injury, especially if the treatment is done on the face, near the eyes, or on the eyelids. The laser beam can damage the retina, cornea, or iris, and may cause vision loss or blindness. This is a very rare but serious risk that can be prevented by wearing protective eye gear during the treatment. You should also avoid looking directly at the laser or the flash of light. If you experience any eye pain, redness, or vision changes after the treatment, you should seek medical help right away.
• Hair changes: Laser hair removal may cause changes in hair growth or texture, such as increased or decreased hair growth, ingrown hairs, or curly or coarse hairs. These are rare and unpredictable effects that may occur in some people, depending on their response to the treatment. There is no specific way to prevent or treat these effects, but you may need additional sessions or alternative methods of hair removal to achieve your desired results.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, as long as it is done by a qualified and experienced professional, and you follow the proper precautions before and after the treatment. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and you should consult your doctor before getting it done if you have any of the following conditions:

• A history of skin cancer, keloids, or abnormal scarring
• A skin infection, wound, or rash in the treatment area
• A history of cold sores or herpes outbreaks
• A history of bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medications
• A history of hormonal disorders or imbalances
• A history of photosensitivity or allergic reactions to light
• A history of immunosuppression or autoimmune diseases
• A history of diabetes, epilepsy, or heart problems
• A history of tattoos, permanent makeup, or skin pigmentation treatments in the treatment area
• A history of recent tanning, sunburn, or skin peeling in the treatment area
• A history of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive

How to prepare for laser hair removal

To get the best results from laser hair removal, and to reduce the risk of side effects, you should follow these steps before the treatment:

• Stop plucking, waxing, or threading the hair in the treatment area for at least six weeks before the treatment, as these methods remove the hair from the root, which is the target of the laser. You can shave or trim the hair, as this leaves the root intact.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products for at least six weeks before the treatment, as these can increase the risk of pigmentation changes, burns, or blisters. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, and cover the treatment area with clothing or a hat.
• Avoid using any products that may irritate the skin, such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or chemical peels, for at least two weeks before the treatment. You should also avoid using any perfumes, deodorants, or makeup on the treatment area on the day of the treatment.
• Avoid taking any medications that may increase the sensitivity of the skin, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or aspirin, for at least two weeks before the treatment. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours before the treatment, as these can affect the healing process.
• Shave the treatment area the night before or the morning of the treatment, as this will help the laser target the hair follicle more effectively. Do not shave too close to the skin, as this may cause irritation or cuts. Leave a small patch of hair for the dermatologist to see the color and thickness of the hair.
• Cleanse the treatment area with a mild soap and water, and pat it dry. Do not apply any creams, lotions, oils, or powders on the skin, as these may interfere with the laser.

How to care for the skin after laser hair removal

To speed up the recovery and prevent any complications after laser hair removal, you should follow these steps after the treatment:

• Apply ice packs, aloe vera gel, or soothing cream to the treated area, as directed by your dermatologist, to reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen if needed.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products for at least six weeks after the treatment, as these can increase the risk of pigmentation changes, burns, or blisters. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, and cover the treatment area with clothing or a hat.
• Avoid using any products that may irritate the skin, such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or chemical peels, for at least two weeks after the treatment. You should also avoid using any perfumes, deodorants, or makeup on the treatment area for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
• Avoid any activities that may increase the temperature or sweat of the skin, such as hot showers, baths, saunas, steam rooms, or exercise, for at least 24 hours after the treatment, as these can aggravate the skin or cause infection.
• Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at the skin, as this may cause infection or scarring. If you notice any blisters, scabs, or pus, do not touch them, and contact your dermatologist as soon as possible.
• Moisturize the skin daily with a gentle and fragrance-free lotion, as this will help the skin to heal and prevent dryness or flaking.
• Exfoliate the skin gently once or twice a week, after the skin has healed, as this will help to remove any dead skin cells or ingrown hairs. Use a soft washcloth or a mild scrub, and avoid any harsh or abrasive products.
• Follow the recommended schedule of treatments, as advised by your dermatologist, to achieve the best results. Typically, you will need four to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the area and the type of hair. You may also need occasional touch-ups to maintain the results.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair from different parts of the body. However, it also has some risks and side effects that you should be aware of before opting for it. By following the proper precautions before and after the treatment, and by choosing a qualified and experienced dermatologist, you can minimize the chances of any complications and enjoy the benefits of smooth and hair-free skin. If you have any questions or concerns about laser hair removal, you should consult your doctor or a dermatologist for more information and guidance.