What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

If you’re tired of traditional hair removal methods like shaving, you might be interested in laser hair removal. Delivered by a dermatologist or other qualified and trained specialist, laser hair treatments work by stopping the follicles from growing new hair. Laser hair removal is safe for most people. Still, discussions abound about the side effects of laser hair removal. While temporary and mild side effects may occur after surgery, other effects are rare. Beyond that, any claims about affecting your long-term health are unfounded.

Here’s what you need to know.

Minor side effects are common:

Laser hair removal is done by using a small, high-heat laser. Lasers may cause temporary side effects immediately after surgery. Skin irritation and pigmentation changes are the most common side effects.

Redness and irritation

Laser hair removal may cause temporary irritation. You may also notice slight redness and swelling in the treated area. However, these effects are small. They are usually the same effects you might notice after other types of hair removal, such as waxing.

Your doctor may use a local anesthetic before surgery to minimize these effects.

Overall irritation will disappear within a few hours after surgery. Try an ice pack to help reduce swelling and pain. You should call your doctor if you experience symptoms other than mild irritation or if side effects worsen.

Pigmentation changes

After laser treatment, you may notice a slight darkening or lightening of your skin. If you have lighter skin, you are more likely to have darker spots from laser hair removal. The opposite is true for dark-skinned people, who may develop lighter spots during the procedure. However, like skin irritation, these changes are temporary and usually nothing to worry about.

Serious side effects are rare, and laser hair removal rarely causes more serious side effects. Your risk increases if you use a home laser machine or seek treatment from an untrained and certified doctor.

Rare side effects of laser hair removal include:

Excessive hair growth in the treated area: This effect is sometimes mistaken for post-surgical hair loss

Changes in overall skin texture: If you have recently tanned, your risk may increase.

Scars: This is most common in people who are prone to scarring.

Blisters and skin crusting: These effects can be caused by premature sun exposure after surgery.

Discuss these side effects with your doctor. Although they are very rare, you still need to know about them before getting laser hair removal. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after laser hair removal.

Can I use laser hair removal while pregnant?

This procedure is not recommended during pregnancy. This is mainly because there are no human studies proving the safety of laser hair treatment during pregnancy.

You may need laser hair treatment for excess hair that grows during pregnancy. Common areas for increased hair growth include the breasts and stomach. However, in most cases, these hairs will fall out on their own, so you may not need any treatment. If you’re pregnant and considering laser hair removal, consider waiting until after delivery. Your doctor may recommend that you wait a few weeks to be safe.

Can laser hair removal cause cancer?

It’s a myth that laser hair removal can cause cancer. In fact, according to the Skin Care Foundation Trusted Source, the procedure is sometimes used to treat certain forms of precancerous lesions.

Different lasers are used to treat sun damage and wrinkles. The lasers used in hair removal or other skin procedures have such a minimal amount of radiation. Plus, the minimal amount is only being exacted on the surface of the skin. So, they don’t pose a risk of cancer.

Can laser hair removal cause infertility?

It’s also a myth that laser hair removal can cause infertility. Only the skin surface is affected by the lasers, so the minimal radiation from the procedure can’t penetrate to any of your organs. Talk to your doctor about potential risks if you’re currently trying to get pregnant.

Overall, laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people. As a precaution, you shouldn’t get the procedure done near your eyes or during pregnancy. See your doctor if any rare symptoms occur after laser hair treatments.