Hair plays an important role in the overall homeostasis of the body. However, hair sometimes grows in unwanted places or causes problems such as ingrown hairs. To remedy this situation, many people turn to laser hair removal. Laser hair removal uses specially calibrated lasers to permanently reduce hair on the treated areas of your skin.
Destroys Hair Root
The main effect of laser hair removal is the destruction of the hair root. Laser hair removal equipment is specifically designed to target melanin, the substance that gives your hair its color. By focusing on melanin, lasers can get an accurate shot at directly penetrating the hair follicle and transferring its energy into the hair root. This energy destroys the hair root, along with the follicle's ability to produce future hair strands.
Pain at Treatment Site
A common effect that can occur during a laser hair removal session is pain at the treatment site. Patients have likened the pain to be snapped by a rubber band. This pain can linger even hours after the procedure has been performed. To reduce the pain, a local anesthetic can be used before the procedure and an over-the-counter analgesic, such as acetaminophen, can be used to reduce pain after the procedure.
Swelling
Swelling can occur as the result of the hair shaft getting vaporized by the laser and causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. To reduce swelling, your dermatologist may place ice packs on the affected area once the treatment has been completed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, swelling may persist for up to three days after the procedure has been performed. Skin redness may also accompany the swelling.
Altered Pigmentation
Temporary altered pigmentation of the skin may also be a side effect of laser hair removal. Depending on your original skin color, laser hair removal treatments may either darken or lighten the skin of the treated area. In rare cases, permanent pigment change may occur.
Blistering
Blistering is a rare effect of laser hair removal and occurs when the energy of the laser burns the surrounding skin tissue of the hair follicle. Risks of blistering may be higher for those that spend a significant amount of time in the sun or a tanning salon before the procedure. Blistering may be treated with a topical antibiotic or topical steroid cream.
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