Potential Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

Many people think of laser hair removal as a great, fast way to get rid of stubble for good. While the results tend to be good and last a while, there are some risks and negative side effects that may occur. You may be able to avoid them by using an experienced practitioner and making sure you are a good candidate for the procedure, but even if you do these tasks, there is still a slight chance of a negative outcome.

The recovery period of laser hair removal is quite short. In most cases the skin will be slightly red and irritated, so plan to keep the area bare, away from tight clothes that may hurt the surface. Your practitioner may give you anesthetic gel to take away most of the discomfort, though not everyone needs anything since the irritation is usually slight. Note that exposure to the sun should be limited for a week or so afterward since the skin will be sensitive. If you have to go out in the sun, use sunscreen on the treated area to minimize exposure.

Not everyone gets these negative side effects of the procedure, but they are still more common than some of the more serious risks. For example, those with darker skin tend to have a negative outcome, such as a higher risk of being burned, as most lasers are best for those with lighter coloring. This is likely because darker skin tends to absorb the heat faster so it is easy to expose the surface to too much of it. Another risk for people with dark skin is the possibility of hyper pigmentation, in which parts of the skin become lighter. While this problem may be temporary, it can also be permanent. There are some clinics, though, that specialize in treating people with darker skin tones, so seek out this type of location to reduce your chances of being burned.

Anyone can end up experiencing scarring or blistering after laser hair removal. Most of the time this will heal, but it is possible that you will have permanent scars or a more textured surfaces due to the heat of the tools. You may also find out that you are allergic to the numbing cream that may be used before the procedure, which means you can have an allergic reaction that consists of a rash, acne spots, or other telltale signs that your body cannot deal with this product. Fortunately, though, these risks are rather rare.

If you are considering this treatment, just remember that there are side effects and risks, just like any other procedure. The best way to avoid these issues is to do some research to find the clinics with the best reviews from patients, as well as the fewest complaints. You should also make sure the practitioner has several years of experience performing laser hair removal, and the proper education to go with it, as this may help reduce the number of mistakes made during your treatment.