Laser hair treatment is arguably one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today, and a lot more people are going through it to remove unsightly body or facial hair. The good news about laser hair removal is that it can be particularly effective for different bodily areas, and those who undergo it are often satisfied with the results. The treatment involves the use of a laser which emits energy in the form of heat, and it can penetrate through to the root of the hair and destroy or debilitate the follicle. While in most cases, the treatment is considered safe, it still has certain side effects and consequences of which everyone should be aware. Here are the top five side effects and consequences of laser hair removal.
- Skin burns
Since lasers use heat, the top consequence or effect of such a treatment is a burn on the skin. What’s more, burns can occur more readily in patients who have darker skin, since dark skin has dark pigments which can absorb the heat from the laser more easily. In many cases, the burns can be mild, but there have been some cases where more serious burns have occurred, resulting in laser treatment and beauty injury claims. - Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation
Another side effect of this type of treatment is hypopigmentation as well as hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation is the lightening of your skin which can occur after treatment, since the absorption of light from the laser can inhibit the production of melanin, resulting in loss of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, meanwhile, is when the skin darkens; the laser treatment can stimulate the production of melanin, which creates a reaction that is similar to a tan. - Skin redness and itching
A somewhat normal side effect and consequence of laser hair removal is skin redness, along with skin itchiness. The skin can turn red following the procedure, and this redness can last for several days. There may also be some swelling on the follicle once the treatment is done. Itchiness of the skin can also occur, and it is considered normal as well, both during the treatment and afterwards. - Pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation
You may also experience a certain degree of pain on the area being treated for laser hair removal; this can occur simultaneously with a feeling of numbness and a tingling sensation. These effects are also quite normal, and they are quite common for everyone. - Crusting and scabs
When someone undergoes laser treatment, they can also experience the formation of crusts and scabs on the area which has been treated. Along with this, some bruising may occur, especially if you have sensitive skin. These appear several days after the procedure, but they can disappear after a short time.