Are you sick and tired of shaving day after day? If so, then you may be considering a procedure such as laser hair removal. This offers a semi-permanent solution to getting rid of your hair, making it an ideal choice for those whose budgets allow. It can cost a pretty penny, especially if you have it done by a professional (which is highly recommended).   Getting rid of unwanted hair is made easy these days with laser hair removal options, but before you go schedule your appointment you may want to make sure that it is a safe. This means knowing more about the common side effects of laser hair removal. While some side effects are rare, it is still a good idea to be aware of the things that could go wrong if you opt for the procedure.  

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

The good news is that laser hair removal is relatively safe. That is, as long as you have it done by a licensed dermatologist or someone who has been trained in the procedure. At-home laser hair removal kits tend to not be as effective, but it can also lead to a higher risk of side effects. Therefore, we always recommend that you leave this work to the professionals.   Remember that laser hair removal does not generally produce many long-term side effects, and a majority of the common side effects are just temporary. The reason for the majority of the side effects that come along with laser hair removal is due to the heat of the laser. This can lead to irritation of the skin, which is to be expected for a few days after the procedure.  

Laser Hair Removal Side Effect 1 – Skin Irritation

The skin will likely get irritated since the procedure requires the lasers to actually zap the hair down to the follicle. The power behind the laser may not seem like much, but your skin is pretty sensitive. It shouldn’t be anything too major though. If you notice major skin irritation, make sure that you mention it to your dermatologist. Think of the irritation that comes along with having your hair plucked or waxed – this should be pretty similar. This will generally go away within a few hours after you have the procedure done. If it lasts longer, there may be a cause for concern.  

Laser Hair Removal Side Effect 2 – Pain or Swelling

Along with skin irritation, you may also notice some pain in the treated areas. The skin may also appear swollen. This is, again, pretty normal. Talk to your dermatologist about options to cut down on the pain. You may consider taking a mild pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, before the procedure. Some clinics may also apply a numbing cream to the skin before they begin the laser hair removal. This can be pretty helpful as well. Like the irritation, this is usually a really temporary reaction.  

Side Effect 3 – Changes in Skin Pigmentation

While this is not as common as the other topical side effects, you may notice some changes in the pigmentation of your skin. If your skin is lighter in color, then it may appear a little darker. If it is darker already, then it may appear to be a little lighter. The good news is that this pigmentation change is not going to be permanent. It will subside with time. It is also not something that you should be alarmed by. It is really just a reaction the skin has to the laser beams.  

Laser Hair Removal Side Effect 4– Changes in Skin Texture

Some laser hair removal patients have noticed that their skin had a slight change in texture after the laser hair removal. Sometimes it makes the skin feel a bit tougher. This is just a reaction that some people’s skin has to the lasers, and sometimes it may be a permanent change. It is a good idea to have just a small area treated first to see how your skin may react to it before you have a large area treated.  

Laser Hair Removal Side Effect 5 – Blistering of the Skin

If you have really sensitive skin, you may notice small blisters after the procedure. This usually happens with people who have a lighter complexion. This is due to the fact that this skin is usually more sensitive to the lasers. The strength of the laser is also important to consider. If the person who is doing the treatment is not well trained in laser hair removal, and they use a laser machine that is too strong for the skin tone, then the chance of blisters will be higher.  

Laser Hair Removal Side Effect 6 – Scarring in Rare Instances

In rare instances, scarring can occur. Again, this is why you need to have a test procedure done first to see how your skin will react. The scarring is much more common in at-home hair removal jobs, rather than when it is left up to an expert. If you have skin that is prone to scarring, then you will definitely need to be careful when it comes to laser hair removal. Sometimes scarring is inevitable.   While this is not really a side effect, it is important to understand that laser hair removal is not really recommended for women who are pregnant. Even though it is not really an invasive procedure, it is just not something that has been studied enough to determine whether or not it is safe. If you are pregnant, it is a good idea to wait until after your baby is born to ensure that there are no problems.   As you can see, there are definitely some side effects of laser hair removal to be aware of. Understanding the possible effects of the procedure is important. We recommend making an appointment for a consultation to discuss your options, as well as any problems that could arise. We will be able to take a look at your skin tone and figure out the best route to ensure the fewest complications possible.