Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal treatment is becoming popular in modern times as it’s the perfect solution to get rid of body hair. Laser hair removal is generally a harmless and effective treatment. But you should definitely go to a dermatologist or laser hair removal expert for the treatment. Get your hair removed from an authentic place.
Before getting the treatment you should have an overall idea to set a realistic expectation. Is laser hair removal treatment really safe? Overview of laser hair removal treatment, can laser cause cancer? Side effects of laser hair removal treatment that you should definitely know, precautions you should take before going for the treatment, and all other relevant information have been included in this article. So let’s dive in without waiting more.
Is Laser Hair Removal Treatment Safe?
Laser is a harmless and effective treatment to remove body hair. It’s generally safe when you get treatment from a dermatologist or laser hair removal expert.
However, experiences can be different from person to person and some even encounter minor, temporary side effects. Laser treatment has a few temporary side effects but nothing serious.
It’s very rare to face any long-lasting or severe side effects because of laser hair removal treatment. Before conducting a treatment doctor will conduct the tests and cross-check your health conditions and medical history to be on the safe side.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Overview
| Treatment | Laser Hair Removal Treatment |
| Reason | To get rid of unwanted body hair |
| Should be done by | Dermatologist, Laser Experts |
| Session required | 6-8 session (depends on individual) |
| Cost ( approx) | INR 30,000-35,000 per session |
| Possible side effects | Folliculitis, Skin rashes, dry, flaky skin, hyperpigmentation. (All are temporary) |
| Is laser treatment painful? | No. |
| Is it safe during pregnancy? | Not recommended. |
| Does laser cause Cancer or Infertility? | No. |
Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal Treatment That You Should Definitely Know
Skin Redness and Irritation: Common side effects include temporary redness and irritation, especially in sensitive areas. Post-treatment skin tenderness, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and perifollicular redness (redness around hair follicles) are quite common.
Skin Hyperpigmentation: Pigmentary changes for a while is a common side effect of this treatment. Lighter skin tones may be extra sensitive and can experience dark spots and darker complexions after the treatment. Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are common but temporary effects.
Skin Encrusting: Scaly skin, resulting from superficial burns can also be a potential side effect of laser hair removal treatment. It may potentially lead to scars. Proper moisturization can help prevent skin encrusting or scaly skin, especially in dry skin conditions.
Some Uncommon Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal
Permanent Skin Pigmentation: While temporary Skin Pigmentation after Laser Hair removal treatment is common, sometimes it can lead to more tanning causing a long time or even permanent hyperpigmentation. Using a broad spectrum (SPF 30+) Sunscreen is a must after getting laser treatment.
Paradoxical( excessive )Hair Growth: Paradoxical or excessive amount of body hair growth after getting laser treatment is one of the long-term side effects. This may change the hair density or even the color in the lasered area. Paradoxical Hair Growth is an extremely rare side effect of laser treatment.
Skin Rashes: Sun exposure shortly after treatment or not applying sunscreen properly after treatment can lead to skin rashes or blisters.
Can You Go For Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy?
Laser treatment during pregnancy doesn’t have much scientific studies. It’s still not clear exactly how the laser can affect the developing fetus. However, laser therapy during pregnancy is not recommended due to hormonal changes.
Also, the heat generated by the laser and the absorption of laser energy by the pigment in hair could be a risk factor. You should discuss with a doctor before going for a laser treatment after pregnancy.
Does Laser Hair Removal Really Cause Cancer?
The answer is No. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment. It applies the concentrated light to the targeted area and destroys hair follicles. With a few rounds, it inhibits future hair growth.Â
The particular wavelength, projected by laser, gets absorbed by the hair pigment. It generates heat that damages the follicle. This process is generally conducted in the targeted area. It doesn’t involve ionizing radiation which is associated with cancer risk.
There is no established connection between laser hair removal and cancer, scientifically. But as said before, you should always go to a dermatologist for safe and effective treatment.
Debunking The Popular Myths About Laser Hair Removal
1. Myth: Laser Increases Hair Growth. ❌
Fact: Laser treatment is conducted to reduce hair growth rate, density, and thickness. With each session, it reduces hair growth by damaging the hair follicles. Excessive hair growth after laser treatment is an extremely rare side effect. ✅
2. Myth: Laser Hair Removal Treatment Causes Cancer. ❌
Fact: There is no scientific data to establish this claim. Laser works on a targeted area and it’s not an ionized radiation that causes cancer. Laser treatment is completely safe when conducted by professionals. ✅
3. Myth: One Session is enough to remove hair permanently. ❌
Fact: Laser hair removal treatment requires multiple sessions. It depends on the hair type, texture, density, and genetic factors. In every session it damages the hair follicle, reducing the hair growth to a minimum. ✅
4. Myth: Laser Treatment is extremely painful. ❌
Fact: Sensations like pinpricks or a little discomfort are normal. But lasers aren’t supposed to be a painful process. It’s less painful than waxing. Also, numbing creams and gel provide the necessary comfort.✅
5. Myth: Laser Causes Infertility.❌
Fact: No scientific evidence supports claims that laser hair removal causes infertility. It works on hair follicles of skin layers and not ovaries. ✅
Precautions You Should Take Before Laser Treatment
Before the laser hair removal treatment, talk about potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the doctor. Also, be transparent about your medical history.
The few things that you need to keep in mind before going for laser hair removal treatment are_
1. Consistently apply SPF30+ sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
2. Don’t use any other hair removal method like waxing, plucking, etc. at least a month before the treatment.
3. Consult your doctor regarding the avoidance of certain medications.
Key Takeaways:
- Laser hair removal is a harmless and effective process to get rid of unwanted body hair.
- It is generally safe but can cause temporary flaky skin, skin irritation, rashes, or hyperpigmentation.
- Paradoxical Hair Growth, permanent discoloration of the targeted area, and blisters are some of the rare side effects of laser treatment.
- Go to a dermatologist or a laser expert for authentic and safe laser hair removal.
- Laser hair removal isn’t recommended during pregnancy or a few weeks post-pregnancy.
- Laser hair removal treatment is almost painless and it doesn’t cause cancer.
Also Read: How To Use Vinegar To Remove Hair Dye Naturally
Frequently Asked Questions About Side effects of Laser hair removal treatment
Q1. Does laser hair removal treatment have any side effects?
Ans. Skin irritation, dry rough skin, folliculitis, skin rashes, and hyperpigmentation are some of the common temporary side effects of laser hair removal treatment.
Q2. What is the cost of laser hair removal treatment?
Ans. The cost of laser hair removal treatment depends on the clinic and session required. Laser hair removal treatment costs INR 30,000-35000 on an average per session. Generally, it takes 6-8 sessions for permanent hair removal treatment.Â
Q3. Does laser hair removal treatment cause cancer?
Ans. No scientific studies have proven so far that laser treatment causes cancer. Lasers target a particular area and the radiation isn’t ionized to potentially cause cancer. So laser treatment is safe.
Q4. Is laser treatment safe during pregnancy?
Ans. Laser treatment during pregnancy should be avoided.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal treatment is a modern hair removal treatment backed by medical science. You can definitely go under the treatment but keep the precautions in mind. Always remember to go to a skin expert for laser hair removal treatment. It’s safe and effective. In case of any severe skin infection after the laser, please make sure to consult a doctor.
