Laser hair removal eliminates hair through the use of highly concentrated beams of light that destroy hair within the follicle, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. For most patients, laser hair removal is safe and effective, but not completely without risks, says the Hair Removal Forum. The common side effects are often temporary and minor, but there is a chance that a patient will have serious side effects. Regardless, everyone considering laser hair removal should be fully aware of all possible side effects.
Redness and Swelling
Redness are swelling are often temporary and last for about one to three days after laser hair removal treatment, says the Hair Removal Forum. Swelling can affect the follicles being treated. Redness can occur on the treated areas. The areas of the skin that are treated can also itch.
Pain and Tingling
During the laser hair removal process, patients can experience some discomfort, often described as feeling like a rubber band is being snapped on the skin, says the Hair Removal Forum. Not everyone will find this procedure painful and how much discomfort a person experiences depends on how sensitive her skin is. Patients who have sensitive skin can have their skin numbed with a topical anesthetic cream prior to laser hair removal to help alleviate any discomfort. Severe pain is not normal and the technician performing the procedure should be immediately notified if severe pain occurs.
Pigment Changes
The skin on the area being treated can become lighter or darker after laser hair removal, but this is typically temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic website. When the wrong laser is used, darker skin can become lightened. Those who have lighter skin are at risk for their skin being darkened. Purpura is another possible skin color change, but is typically temporary, says the Hair Removal Forum. Purpura is a side effect that occurs when bleeding occurs below the skin, resulting in small purplish spots appearing on the skin.
Blisters and Burns
Blisters and burns are considered rare, but they are a risk for those who have been exposed to the sun recently and those who expose themselves to sunlight immediately after having this procedure, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. For some patients, these blisters and burns can lead to either not enough or too much remaining skin pigment, referred to as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. Scarring can occur in even rarer cases. The scars can be red and raised, referred to as keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Bruising and Bleeding
Patients who have very sensitive skin are at risk for minor bruising at the treatment site, says the Hair Removal Forum. If the hair follicles become irritated, minor bleeding can occur, sometimes resulting in scabbing. Bleeding and scabbing tend to only happen when the area is over-treated.
Infection
Infection is a rare side effect of laser hair removal. Infection can occur when the areas being treated are not properly disinfected and cleaned before being treated and after being treated, says the Hair Removal Forum. The infection is considered minor.
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