What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Complications
laser hair removal risks are uncommon, but prospective clients should be aware of them. Following is a brief discussion about various laser hair removal side effects, their prevention and treatment.
Scarring of the Surface of the Skin
Laser scarring has been the most feared laser hair removal side effect but thanks to the new technology of Q switched and pulsed lasers, the incidence of scarring is now minimal.
Post Operative Crusting
10% of clients treated for reduction of hair with laser with long-pulsed ruby and alexandrite lasers may suffer from crusting. This is often as a result of repeatedly over treating an area with laser. For these clients, appropriate postoperative care is highly recommended in order to avoid further problems.
Wound Infection
Wound infection is uncommon after laser treatment. If by chance any wounds can be seen on the skin after reduction of hair with laser, infection can be controlled with antibiotic and anti viral materials.
Tattoo Darkening
If there are tattoos in the area being treated, bear in mind that darkening may happen and discuss this with your medical professional before undergoing laser treatment.
Injury to Eye
Laser eye safety is extremely important during any treatment involving lasers. To safeguard yourself from any damage to your eyes, wavelength-specific laser safety eye protection must be used by both operators and clients.
Hyper Pigmentation
Regardless of the type of laser used, there may be hyper pigmentation of skin after applying lasers. In this reaction the skin is darkened as a result of increased pigment deposition. Usually darker skin has a greater chance to suffer from this. On the plus side is that it can be easily treated with the use of bleaching materials and is only temporary.
Lightening of the Skin
Lightening of the skin, or hypo pigmentation, can happen, mainly in darker skin types and where there are multiple exposures to laser treatment. It normally is only temporary; permanent hypo pigmentation is hardly ever seen. This problem is mostly experienced with use of alexandrite, Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers.
Reddening of the Skin
The skin may be briefly reddened after significant laser exposure. It is one of the minor laser hair removal risks. Efficient cooling and the use of proper exposure time during the treatment minimizes this problem.
Blistering of the Surface of the Skin
With the introduction of new and efficient cooling devices, blistering has been mostly eliminated as a side effect of laser hair removal. Tissue cooling can be carried out through a contact chill tip or freezing spray to safeguard the skin. These measures serve to safeguard the skin from getting too hot.
Conclusion
Assuming that you pick a professional laser hair removal clinic, then in the hands of a fully trained medical professional with all the necessary safety precautions you are unlikely to experience any of the above laser hair removal risks.
Ingrid Preube
reduction of hair with laser
From my experience: all true but for me just the reddening of the skin shortly after the treatment was a problem.