laser hair removal risks are uncommon, but prospective clients should be aware of them. Following is a brief overview about some laser hair removal side effects, their prevention and treatment.
Laser Scarring
Most people are naturally concerned about the chances of scarring when undergoing reduction of hair with laser treatment. While this has occurred in the past, particularly in people with darker skin, these days the modern laser equipment has all but eliminated this complication.
Hyper Pigmentation
Whichever the type of laser employed, there may be hyper pigmentation of skin after applying lasers. In this reaction the skin becomes darker due to increased pigment deposition. Usually darker skin is more likely to suffer from this. The good thing is that it can be effectively treated with the use of bleaching agents and is only temporary.
Lightening of the Skin
Lightening of the dermis, or hypo pigmentation, can be experienced, mainly in darker skin types and where there are many exposures to laser therapy. It normally is only temporary; permanent hypo pigmentation is almost unknown. This complication is mostly experienced with use of alexandrite, Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers.
Effect on Tattoos
If there are tattoos in the area of the body being treated, be aware that darkening sometimes happens and discuss this with your doctor before undergoing laser therapy.
Crusting
10% of clients treated for laser hair removal with long-pulsed ruby and alexandrite lasers may suffer from crusting. This is normally due to repeatedly over treating an area of the body with laser. For these clients, appropriate post treatment care is strongly recommended in order to avoid further complications.
Infections
Wound infection is uncommon after laser therapy. If by chance any wounds are visible on the dermis after laser hair removal, infection can be avoided with antibiotic and anti viral agents.
Reddening After Treatment
The dermis may be transiently reddened after significant laser exposure. It is one of the minor laser hair removal risks. Proper cooling and the use of proper exposure time during the therapy minimizes this complication.
Skin Blistering
With the invention of new and efficient cooling equipment, blistering has been almost eliminated as a problem caused by laser hair removal. Tissue cooling can be performed through a contact chill tip or freezing spray to safeguard the dermis. These measures serve to safeguard the skin from excessive thermal abuse.
The Risk of Eye Damage
Laser eye safety is critically important during any therapy involving lasers. To avoid any damage to the eyes, wavelength-specific laser safety eye protection must be used by both operators and clients.
In Closing
Assuming that you select a professional hair removal laser clinic, then in the hands of a fully qualified doctor with all the necessary safety precautions you will most likely not experience any of the above laser hair removal risks.
Ingrid Preube
reduction of hair with laser
