In general, laser hair removal can cause varying degrees of redness that usually improves within a few hours. However, reactions such as irritation, burns, spots, blisters, scabs, scars, or other changes in skin texture can occur.
But don’t worry! The risks of laser hair removal depend on some essential factors regarding the safety of the procedure, primarily the type of laser used and the experience of the professional performing it.
Summary
Laser hair removal is a procedure recommended by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, both for hair removal and for treating other issues such as folliculitis or ingrown hairs, for example.
Overall, this procedure does not pose risks to skin health. This is because its action does not harm the deeper tissues, and therefore does not cause damage or other serious diseases to the skin.
However, it is important to note that there are general restrictions and essential precautions to prevent spots or even burns, which are typically discussed during evaluations by specialized doctors.
In addition to seeking a specialized doctor, there are significant differences between laser brands. Light Sheer, for example, is the most recognized brand for decades and features technologies that enhance the efficiency and safety of the treatment, even for darker or tanned skin.
Additionally, there are some reactions that may occur after the laser treatment, but they usually disappear after a few hours, such as redness in the treated area, swelling, and mild discomfort.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
In general, the risks of side effects vary depending on the type of laser used, the professional administering the treatment, the skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and adherence to pre- and post-treatment care.
The risks of laser hair removal include:
Skin Irritation
Temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling can occur after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms usually disappear within a few hours or a few days.
Pigmentation Changes
Laser hair removal can darken or lighten the affected skin.
These changes can be temporary or permanent. The group at higher risk for reactions is primarily those who do not avoid sun exposure before or after treatment, and those with darker skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause:
- Blisters
- Scabs
- Scars
- Changes in skin texture
These are the more pronounced risks of laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is not recommended for the eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas due to the possibility of serious eye injuries.
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment areas for women include the legs, underarms, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. For men, the most common areas are the beard, chest, abdomen, and back. However, unwanted hair can be treated in almost all areas except for the eyelid or surrounding area. Tattooed skin should also not be treated.
The color of the hair and the skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment in the hair, but not in the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle, avoiding damage to the skin.
Therefore, the greater the contrast between the color of the hair and the skin (dark hair and light skin), the better the results.
The risk of skin damage is higher when there is little contrast between the hair and skin colors, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people with darker skin. Learn more about the risks of laser hair removal!
Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well, such as red, blonde, and white hair. However, these patients may still respond to treatment. In this situation, we can conduct a therapeutic test.
How to reduce the risks of laser hair removal?
By seeking a qualified professional and an efficient laser. A dermatologist is the most suitable professional for the procedure. Additionally, the technology involved makes all the difference. Be sure to check if the device is regularly calibrated. This reduces the chances of burns and other risks of laser hair removal. The LightSheer diode laser is the most recommended by dermatologists.
In our clinic, each patient will be individually evaluated and given specific follow-up care for skin preparation. Specific products may be used to ensure the skin is as light as possible during the session.
Proper device calibration, tailored to each patient, is crucial for achieving better results with greater safety. In this aspect, LightSheer continues to have significant advantages, as it also cools the skin during sessions.
It is important to understand that safe treatment requires the combination of several factors, such as professional medical supervision and state-of-the-art equipment. Today, we see thousands of clinics that do not follow this formula, which increases the risk of failed treatments and high risks exponentially.
We must keep in mind that the cost of the treatment should not be the most important factor in the patient’s decision about which clinic to trust with their skin. The risks of laser hair removal would be greatly reduced with the correct choice made by the patient. Often, cheap options turn out to be expensive in the long run.
Want to know more about the risks of laser hair removal? Then take advantage of the comprehensive content we’ve prepared on the topic by clicking on this link.
After all, does laser hair removal harm your health? What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Questions like these are very common, especially for those undergoing the procedure for the first time. If this is the case for you, check out more details about laser hair removal below and take the opportunity to clear up your doubts about the subject.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits light that is typically absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The energy from the light is converted into heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hair. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
The expected result of an appropriate treatment is a significant reduction of hair in the area. This is influenced by three main factors: the professional applying the treatment, the brand of laser used, and the individual factors of the patient.
Several sessions of laser hair removal are required with monthly intervals. Over the course of the treatment, the doctor may increase the time between sessions, as the amount of hair may already be significantly reduced, and its growth might be slow.
Laser hair removal is more effective on people with light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types. However, pay attention to the brand of laser used.
Myths and truths about laser hair removal
- You shouldn’t wax between laser hair removal sessions. True
You should not pull the hair out from the root, as the treatment depends on the hair that is inserted into the skin.
Therefore, you should not wax or use any technique that removes the hair from the root, which is the action site of the laser. You can use razors, scissors, and depilatory creams to trim the hair. Read more about the risks associated with laser hair removal.
- Laser hair removal is very painful. Myth
When the treatment is done with the appropriate equipment, a skilled professional, and proper guidance for the patient, the sessions are usually well-tolerated. Sensitivity is individual, and patients can use anesthetic cream before the session.
- There are contraindications for brown and black skin for laser hair removal. Myth
Some equipment allows for laser hair removal on brown and black skin. The most important thing is to find a clinic with specialized equipment and doctors to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
- The efficiency and safety are similar among clinics. Myth
The result and safety vary significantly as there are many clinics offering the procedure. Originally, this procedure was performed only by doctors, which is no longer the case. Reduce the risks related to laser hair removal by choosing a dermatological clinic!
Many equipment options have also entered the market. Therefore, great care must be taken with the correct choice. Choosing a doctor and high-end equipment, like Light Sheer, makes a significant difference and reduces the risks involved in laser hair removal.
- Treatment with a doctor is much more expensive. Myth
Treatment with a doctor is not always more expensive. Usually, when the treatment is performed in a more appropriate setting, fewer sessions are required, the final result is more significant, and the risk of issues is much lower.
Remember that if there are any complications, the doctor will handle it. Another point that can be discussed with the professional is the tax deduction for medical expenses, as many patients have hair-related health problems. Read more about the risks of laser hair removal.
- You cannot undergo laser hair removal in the summer. Myth
The treatment can be performed at any time of the year. The doctor can prepare the patient’s skin with guidance and the use of creams. Although the equipment we use can treat tanned skin, it is safer and more effective when the skin is lighter.
Risks associated with laser hair removal are significantly reduced with proper skin preparation.
- Is laser hair removal recommended for men? True
Gone are the days when women dominated aesthetic treatments. Men are also seeking laser hair removal for unwanted hair removal.
The results are great, especially in areas where it is difficult to get good results at home, like the back. They can even use laser for their beard. The technique is ideal for men who suffer from folliculitis, ingrown hair, acne, or sensitive skin.
- People with little hair only need one session of laser hair removal. Myth
It is impossible to remove all hair in a single session, even for people with few hairs, as hair is only destroyed during the growth phase that occurs every 30 days.
On average, 6 to 8 sessions of laser hair removal are needed for each area. The exact number may vary depending on the area being treated, skin tone, hair color and thickness, as well as the individual’s goals. Learn all about the risks of laser hair removal.
Light skin, dark and thick hair usually requires fewer sessions compared to people with dark skin or thin and light hair. And remember, even after completing the sessions, some patients may need a treatment boost.
- Treated tattooed areas cannot be depilated. True
As mentioned earlier, the laser used for hair removal is guided by the pigment in the hair.
This can be one of the risks involving laser hair removal.
If applied to tattooed regions, the technique might detect the colors of the design, causing burns at the site. The laser could even alter the tattoo pigment, compromising the design.
If you plan to get a tattoo, it is ideal to undergo laser hair removal first. This can even help during the tattoo process, as the skin needs to be hair-free.
However, if you already have a tattoo and want to undergo laser hair removal, don’t worry. The procedure can be done around the design. Again, it is important to seek a specialized place to ensure the necessary care is taken.
Contact:
Clínica de Pele is a traditional and specialized dermatological clinic in Rio de Janeiro for over 60 years, since 1969.
Dr. Szerman has over 20 years of experience and teaches other doctors.
