Laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal method that is commonly performed. A laser beam of differing wavelength is used and directed at the skin, destroying the hair follicle and rendering it unable to re-grow hair. Laser hair removal is also more effective and cost efficient as compared to other methods of hair removal. The most desired after effect is definitely a hair free body. However, there are undesirable after effects too. Many experience swelling, redness, pain and blistering.
Swelling
Swelling is the most common after effects of laser hair removal. Swelling is due to the heat from the laser beam and will usually go off by itself within 24 to 48 hours. Ice can be applied to the area to bring down the swelling. If things become serious, anti-inflammatory cream may be applied.
Redness
Redness is also commonly experienced by many after hair removal. This is due to the blood vessels at the area widening to allow the body's natural healing process to take place. It may also be due to irritation of the hair follicle.
Pain
Pain is due to 2 possibilities. Either the treatment wasn't done in the proper way or due to the effects of the laser. Clinics will usually apply a pain numbing cream before treatment and apply a soothing cream after the treatment. If pain persists, an ice pack may be applied or pain medication can be taken for pain relief.
Blistering
Blistering is due to old machines that are not equipped with a cooling mechanism. The chances are increased if the body was exposed to the sun prior to the procedure or after the procedure.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding may occur due to the hair follicles being irritated during the process. This is only temporary and will go away by itself.
Skin Pigmentation
Pigmentations are rare but chances are increased if the procedure is done by inexperienced personnel. When the laser is absorbed by the tissues instead of the follicles, it can stimulate the body's production of melanin, causing the skin to darken. This after effect is often permanent.
Burns
Burns are caused by incorrect laser hair removal procedures. It is commonly due to the wrong laser wavelength being used, causing the beam to be absorbed by the skin instead of the follicle, causing burns.
Side effects are inevitable and are a small price to pay for having a smooth hairless skin. Generally, undesirable side effects last for between 24 to 48 hours and will go off on their own.
Swelling
Swelling is the most common after effects of laser hair removal. Swelling is due to the heat from the laser beam and will usually go off by itself within 24 to 48 hours. Ice can be applied to the area to bring down the swelling. If things become serious, anti-inflammatory cream may be applied.
Redness
Redness is also commonly experienced by many after hair removal. This is due to the blood vessels at the area widening to allow the body's natural healing process to take place. It may also be due to irritation of the hair follicle.
Pain
Pain is due to 2 possibilities. Either the treatment wasn't done in the proper way or due to the effects of the laser. Clinics will usually apply a pain numbing cream before treatment and apply a soothing cream after the treatment. If pain persists, an ice pack may be applied or pain medication can be taken for pain relief.
Blistering
Blistering is due to old machines that are not equipped with a cooling mechanism. The chances are increased if the body was exposed to the sun prior to the procedure or after the procedure.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding may occur due to the hair follicles being irritated during the process. This is only temporary and will go away by itself.
Skin Pigmentation
Pigmentations are rare but chances are increased if the procedure is done by inexperienced personnel. When the laser is absorbed by the tissues instead of the follicles, it can stimulate the body's production of melanin, causing the skin to darken. This after effect is often permanent.
Burns
Burns are caused by incorrect laser hair removal procedures. It is commonly due to the wrong laser wavelength being used, causing the beam to be absorbed by the skin instead of the follicle, causing burns.
Side effects are inevitable and are a small price to pay for having a smooth hairless skin. Generally, undesirable side effects last for between 24 to 48 hours and will go off on their own.
