What are the Side Effects of Lazer Hair Removal?

Lazer hair removal is a very safe procedure, and it has been performed on thousands of patients successfully. However, as with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and side effects with your doctor so that you know what to expect. As long as you choose a qualified and experienced doctor , complications from lazer hair removal are very rare. These side effects are temporary, and not likely to have long term effects. Here are a few of the side effects you may experience:

Pain. During the procedure, you may experience slight pain as the lazer is used. Some patients compare it to a rubber band snapping against the skin. If you are having lazer hair removal in a sensitive area of the body, ask about numbing creams or pain relief options. Once the lazer process is done, the pain should subside. After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities immediately.

Redness and swelling. This is the most common side effect after you undergo lazer hair removal, and it usually lasts for a day or two. Ice packs, aloe cream, or pain medication can help provide relief. It should begin to subside as soon as your lazer hair removal procedure is over.

Blistering, burns, crusting or scabbing. Damage to the surrounding skin, including burns or blistering, rarely occurs. When this does happen it is usually due to an inexperienced doctor, the wrong settings on the lazer machine, or undergoing lazer hair removal while you have a tan. They also occur on patients with very dark skin, as the lazers needed to treat the hair on patients with dark skin penetrate deeper than those used to treat fair skin. Very rarely, these blisters or burns can develop into a scar. If this occurs, keep the area moist with Vaseline (petroleum jelly), and use an ointment on any open areas in the skin.

Pigment changes. Occasionally, the treated skin may become darker or lighter after the procedure. The affected area should return to your usual skin color within a few months. Permanent skin pigment changes are very rare, although loss of freckles or lightening of moles may occur. In addition, any tattoos you have in the treated area may become lighter or darker.

To avoid these side effects, do not tan before undergoing lazer hair removal. This can affect how the lazer is absorbed into your skin, and you must wait until the tan is gone to reduce the risk of side effects. Any side effects you experience should be gone within 3 days; be sure to contact your doctor if they persist or grow worse. Select an experienced doctor to perform your lazer hair removal treatment to minimize your risk.

Lazer Hair Removal Guide