If you are looking to get rid of body and facial hair for a long time,
you may be considering laser hair removal. Find out the risks and side
effects, both temporary and permanent, before deciding on this option
over razors or wax.
Though laser hair removal is generally considered safe, there are some
side effects and risks, as with any procedure. Once you know the
possible negative outcomes, you can decide whether this option is right
for you. Be sure to talk to a medical practitioner before choosing
whether to use this method for removing unwanted stubble, but first
learn the risks.
Most of the side effects are short-term, though they can be bothersome
while they last. For example, there is typically some discomfort during
and directly after the procedure, as it is said to feel like rubber
bands snapping on your skin. You can manage the pain with pain relievers
that you can buy over-the-counter, though some doctors also prescribe
pain medication. You may also be offered a local anesthetic during the
treatment so that there is little, if any, discomfort.
Another short-term side effect of laser hair removal is swelling, which
occurs rarely and is usually treated while still in the office. In
addition, most people notice some redness in the treated area, which
should go away within a couple days. Your doctor may offer you a topical
treatment cream to help the issue disappear. Blistering is a more
extreme negative effect, but this will be dealt with by your doctor
before you leave since it should be noticeable directly afterward.
Finally, another temporary outcome is hyperpigmentation, in which some
areas of the skin are darker than usual, but this should clear up on its
own.
Of course, in some cases, the skin discoloration is permanent, which is a
major risk. It could become darker or lighter, and there is no cure for
this issue, which is why you should think hard before opting for this
method. Scarring is another permanent possibility, though this too is
rare. This is most often the result of an inexperienced person
performing the treatment. The same goes for burns that may occur during
this procedure, as this should not happen unless a mistake was made, in
most cases. Of course, you have to be prepared for any possibility, no
matter who your practitioner is. Thus, do not get laser hair removal
just before a big event unless you can hide either temporary or
permanent damage, such as skin redness, discoloration, and blistering.
These risks are more extreme than the ones associated with shaving or
waxing, as a few cuts, pain, and redness are usually all that you can
expect from such methods. Clearly, lasers are a bit more likely to cause
issues. However, laser hair removal is typically more effective than
these other methods, as the stubble stays away for months, if not years.
Just like you would not use a dull, low quality razor blade, or get a
wax from an inexperienced salon employee, you should not get this
treatment from someone who does not know what they are doing. Therefore,
it is wise to ask your friends and family for recommendations, and also
find out the history of the practitioner before choosing one.
