So, who can opt for it? How safe is it compared to other hair removal methods? What are the potential side effects? Know the answers to these commonly asked queries in this article. Scroll down. Laser hair removal helps remove unwanted hair without damaging the skin. This process is usually fast (depending on the area being treated). However, some people may experience a few side effects.
Risks Associated With Laser Hair Removal
You may experience minor side effects after the laser hair removal process. Most of these are temporary. However, consult your dermatologist if these effects aggravate. Skin Redness And Irritation Skin redness and irritation are the common side effects of laser hair removal. They are more likely if you are getting hair removed from a sensitive area of your body. The skin may feel tender and you might notice redness, irritation, perifollicular redness, and edema (swelling). These effects are similar to what you notice after waxing or other hair removal procedures. The irritation usually subsides within an hour of the procedure. You can apply an ice pack to accelerate recovery. Change In Skin Pigments You may also notice pigmentary changes after the procedure (1). While those with a lighter skin tone may notice dark spots on their skin, those with a darker complexion may notice lighter spots. Though these changes are temporary, talk to your doctor if they appear too severe. Skin Crusting Some people may experience the skin in the affected area crusting (due to superficial burns). Though minor, this issue may also cause scarring or scabbing. Crusting often happens if the skin is dry and tip of the laser probe is not cold enough to prevent superficial burns. Applying a moisturizer to the affected area may help prevent this issue. As discussed, these side effects are usually minor and temporary. In rare cases, one may also experience certain serious side effects. We will explore them in the following section.
Rare Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends going to only certified dermatologists to get the laser hair removal done (2). One must remember that laser hair removal does not remove hair permanently. It reduces the hair growth. With each session, the hair becomes thinner, the density decreases and the hair cycle increases. Initially, you will need to undergo multiple sessions to remove hair completely, as not all hairs could be in the active growth phase. Later, you may go for maintenance treatments to target stubborn areas or get rid of strays or regrown hair. Laser hair removal during pregnancy is not safe. One should wait for several weeks after giving birth. Find out more in the next section.
Can You Go For Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
Experts do not recommend laser hair removal during pregnancy. No scientific evidence exists proving the safety of laser hair removal during this period. Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes, leading to the growth of extra hair in unwanted places. While this hair growth can be embarrassing, it usually subsides on its own. If it does not, you may try laser treatment post pregnancy. Consult your doctor and discuss the procedure. While most of us are skeptical about cosmetic procedures, not all of us are aware of the more popular myths. In the next section, we have tried to bust a few myths associated with laser hair removal.
Myths Associated With Laser Hair Removal
Myth 1: Laser hair removal increases hair growth and makes it dense. Fact: Hair growth depends on the number of hair follicles. Laser treatment helps reduce hair growth rate, hair density, and hair thickness with each session. This lightens the hair growth eventually. Laser treatment is not a permanent solution. Your hair will eventually grow back, but the process will be delayed. The hair that grows back is not dense. If not done properly, it may also cause paradoxical hair growth, a condition where the hair grows back thicker after laser. Myth 2: Laser hair removal treatment can cause cancer. Fact: Scientific evidence is lacking in this aspect. The laser used for hair removal does produce some amount of radiation, though it was not found to be seriously harmful. The lasers used in this process only target the hair follicles with a minimal amount of radiation. Myth 3: You need just one session to permanently remove your hair. Fact: Laser hair reduction is not a permanent solution. The number of sessions required depends on your hair type, texture, density, the area to be treated, and other genetic factors. Myth 4: Laser hair removal treatment is painful. Fact: You will only feel a pinprick-like sensation on your skin, which may cause a little discomfort. It is less painful than waxing. Myth 5: Laser hair removal causes infertility. Fact: There is no scientific evidence to prove this claim. The lasers used in this treatment only remove hair and do not penetrate the skin or affect any other organs in the body.
When To See A Doctor
People experiencing adverse effects after a laser hair removal treatment should consider consulting their doctor. While minor side effects such as redness and swelling can be treated at home, more severe issues like skin infections warrant doctor examination. Can laser hair removal damage ovaries? No, laser hair removal doesn’t cause any damage to ovaries. This is because the beams of light energy can only reach and target the hair follicles. Can you bleed after laser hair removal? No, bleeding doesn’t occur after laser hair removal. However, the treated area may become swollen and red, which can be managed by applying ice.
