Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and Risks?

The great safety of laser hair removal has been shown over the many years of its use. The important thing to look out for is the right type of laser for your skin type, and a practitioner who is well trained and experienced in hair removal. After and before laser treatments you must avoid sun exposure to reduce your risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Rare risks (some of which are permanent):burnsinfectionpermanent pigment changesscarsSide effects:sensitivityrednessswelling

Laser hair removal, for the most part, is safe as long as the correct settings are used and if the patient follows instructions. Some common temporary side effects are usually swelling around the hair follicle and redness that usually subsides within hours. Other risks include skin discoloration (can be temporary or permanent), blistering, and scarring that is associated with burns (which should be rare). Make sure to let your provider know of any medications (oral and topical) that you are taking because some medications can make you photosensitive, and try to avoid sun exposure which can contribute to burns with laser hair removal. Laser hair removal usually feels like a warm rubberband snap on your skin. If it is excessively painful, let your provider know. An experienced laser operator will usually be able to assess skin reaction and skin type in order to use the correct laser settings.