ERI LA Socio-Political Blog

It would appear that the laser market and removal of hair by laser market on the whole are being driven by economic factors, with minimum importance given to rigorous medical studies. So what information should you be aware of about possible laser hair removal side effects? This article gives you the insight you need.

Scarring of the Skin
Cosmetic scarring has been the most feared laser hair removal side effect but thanks to the effective technology of Q switched and pulsed lasers, the risk of scarring is now minimal.

Darkening of Tattoos
If the client has tattoos in the area being treated, bear in mind that darkening may occur and discuss this with your physician before undergoing laser procedures.

Hyper Pigmentation
Whatever the type of laser used, there may be hyper pigmentation of skin after exposure to lasers. In this condition the skin is darkened because of increased pigment deposition. Usually dark skin is more likely to experience this. The good news is that it can be readily treated with the use of bleaching creams and fades quickly.

Hypo Pigmentation
Lightening of the skin, or hypo pigmentation, can occur, especially in dark skin types and where there are many exposures to laser procedures. It normally fades quickly; permanent hypo pigmentation is almost unknown. This side effect is mostly experienced with use of alexandrite, Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers.

Crusting of the Skin
10% of clients treated for removal of hair by laser with long-pulsed ruby and alexandrite lasers may experience crusting. This is often because of repeatedly over treating an area with laser. When this occurs, appropriate post treatment care is highly recommended in order to avoid further side effects.

Infections
Wound infection is uncommon after laser procedures. In the unlikely event that any wounds are to be seen on the skin after removal of hair by laser, infection can be prevented with antibiotic and anti viral creams.

The Risk of Eye Damage
Laser eye safety is critically important during any therapy involving lasers. To avoid any damage to your eyes, wavelength-specific laser safety eyewear must be donned by both operators and clients.

Reddening of the Skin
The skin may be temporarily reddened after continuous laser exposure. It is one of the minor laser hair removal side effects. Effective cooling and the use of the correct exposure time during the therapy minimizes this side effect.

Blistering of the Skin
With the introduction of new and efficient cooling equipment, blistering has been almost eliminated as a side effect of laser hair removal. Tissue cooling can be performed through a contact chill tip or ice-like spray to safeguard the skin. These measures serve to safeguard the skin from over heating.

In Closing
removal of hair by laser is an critically safe therapy; the side effect we have described are very uncommon. To keep yourself as safeguarded as possible, always use a reputable laser clinic with a physician you can trust, and you will most likely encounter no laser hair removal side effects at all!

Ingrid Preube
laser hair removal treatment