Laser treatment for hair removal is a preferred cosmetic procedure females adopt for painless body and facial hair removal. It doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal and often leads to various side effects in treatment areas of the body. It’s an innovative technological concept, however, technology has its limits.
Let’s discuss some of the not-so-known laser hair removal side effects that might make you reconsider the thought of getting one!
1. Folliculitis
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The treatment of laser hair removal sheds off the dead hair inside our body, which later feels thorny and spikey. It creates inflammation among hair follicles and usually results in folliculitis. One may even face skin bumps or pimples. The best advice, if it does not seem to go away, is to visit a dermatologist.
2. Eye Injuries
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Eye injuries are one of the most common laser hair removal side effects if one does not wear eye-protecting glasses. As the process involves powerful lasers, which might harm more if an unprofessional does the job. That’s why special attention should be given when removing facial hair.
3. Blisters And Burns
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Laser hair removal can sometimes cause severe burns and blisters on the treated areas of the body. However, it happens rarely but that does not mean we should ignore it. When the treatment isn’t carried out properly, it can result in a blister.
4. Redness
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Even conventional waxing causes skin redness and irritation, laser hair removal is no different. It may leave your skin irritated, and some people might even face bumps and redness post-treatment. However, the irritated areas should feel fine after a few hours of the treatment. If it doesn’t go away, visit a dermatologist.
5. Scarring
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Scarring is an extremely rare side effect and usually occurs when the treatment is carried out aggressively. Our skin is sensitive, and aggressive procedures can cause it to leave scars on the body. It should be treated with prescribed medicines.
6. Skin Color Changes
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One may observe changes in their skin color post-laser hair removal. The change of color can range from mild to severe, depending on the skin type and laser treatment. It can either lighten the skin or cause it to darken by triggering melanin. And so, sunscreen is recommended before going out on a sunny day when you have just taken a laser hair removal treatment.
7. Herpes Simplex
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Herpes Simplex is a viral infection that causes painful blisters and cold sores around the lips and genitals. One of the potent risks of laser hair removal are cold sores that might occur in the treated body part. It can be dealt with antibiotics or the person may even require surgeries, depending on the severity of the virus.
Also Read: 9 Home Remedies For Prickly Heat Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
The risks of laser hair removal include skin irritation, redness, burns, scars, and as severe as Herpes Simplex. When the condition gets out of hands, a person may require to visit a dermatologist.
Is laser hair removal harmful long term?
A laser hair removal treatment can cause harm in the long term such as scarring, hyperpgmentation, or even painful blisters and pimples. Some people are extremely sensitive to lasers, which can cause their hair to turn grey post treatment. However, no other risks of laser hair removal have been proved so far.
Can laser hair removal affect fertility?
No, laser hair removal does not affect the fertility even after several uses. It only affects the areas that are under treatment. There are no proven influence of laser hair removal on the fertility.
What should I avoid after laser hair removal?
There are a few things that one should keep in mind like-
- Avoid hot water showers for atleast 48 hours. If possible, try and ignore swimmings.
- No makeup should be done post laser hair removal for 48 hours again.
- One should not use bleaches or perfumed products on the treated areas for a while.
- Some ingredients that should not be used post lase hair removal treatment are- retinol, beta hydroxy acids, and alpha hydroxy acids.
- Direct contact with UV rays or sunlight should be avoided post treatment.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
No, laser hair removal treatment does not ensure permanent hair removal and people might start having hair growth in few months. Once you take a laser treatment, you are supposed to take maintainance sessions to ensure a longer term effect.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes, a laser hair removal treatment is safe and extremely effective only when done under professional guidance. However, the effects are not long lasting and hair might re-appear after a while. But, the effects last longer than conventional waxing and other methods.
