The Risks Involved in Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe procedure when done by a trained professional who executes all necessary precautions.
The laser itself is only able to penetrate the dermis layer of the skin and poses no risk to skin cancer. Lasers work by targeting specific cells within the follicles of hair, and therefore do not cause harm to nearby areas of the body. Technology is advancing so that the lasers are becoming more and more targeted all the time, reducing the chance of experiencing any of the side effects listed below.
Aside from this there are some risks throughout the laser treatment, though it’s important to understand that these are rare:
Reddening of the Skin: This is the most common out of all the risks associated with laser hair removal, but one that fades within a few hours or days. This can be avoided by implementing proper skin cooling methods throughout the duration of the procedure.
Scarring or Blistering: This occurs when the skin overheats, and darker skin tones are more at risk to this side effect. More often than not too much exposure will create pale patches on the skin that fade within a short period of time.
Damage to the Eyes: The eye area is more delicate and goggles must be worn to protect the area if facial hair is being removed. When proper precautions are taken then the risk of damage to this area is extremely minimal.
Infection: It is extremely uncommon to develop an infection after being treated using laser hair removal systems. However, if you already have an infection in the area to be treated then laser procedures should be avoided.
Crusting: In some cases crusting of the skin has developed after being treated with the Ruby and Alexandrite lasers. This usually happens when the area of the skin gets over-exposed, and simple care after the procedure can minimise the chance of any further problem.
Hair Re-growth: It is important to remember that your hair will likely continue to grow after your first treatment. This will depend on the colour of your skin and hair, though most will require a number of treatments before permanent results are seen. The hair that does grow, however, will be a long finer, and you will be advised by the salon on how many treatments you can expect before seeing permanent results.
As long as you ensure you are being treated by an experienced practitioner then it is unlikely you will experience any serious side effects. Laser hair removal comes with a huge number of benefits, and technology is advancing all the time to improve results.