Important Information About Laser Hair Reduction Dangers
It seems that the laser industry and laser hair reduction market in general are being driven by market forces, with minimum consideration given to evidence-based medicine. So what information should you have about possible side effects of laser hair removal? This article gives you the knowledge you need.
Scarring of the Dermis
Most clients are concerned about the chances of scarring when undergoing reduction of hair with laser treatment. While this has happened in the past, particularly in clients with tanned skin, these days the effective laser equipment has all but eliminated this problem.
Reddening of the Skin
The surface of the skin may be transiently reddened after continuous laser exposure. It is one of the minor laser hair removal side effects. Proper cooling and the use of proper exposure time during the treatment minimizes this problem.
Skin Blistering
With the introduction of new and efficient cooling equipment, blistering has been almost eliminated as a laser hair removal side effect. Tissue cooling can be performed through a contact chill tip or freezing spray to cool the surface of the skin. These measures serve to cool the skin from over heating.
Effect on Tattoos
If you have tattoos in the area being treated, be aware that darkening sometimes occurs and discuss this with your medical specialist before undergoing laser procedures.
Crusting
10% of customers treated for laser hair reduction with long-pulsed ruby and alexandrite lasers may experience crusting. This is usually because of repeatedly over treating an area with laser. In these cases, appropriate post treatment care is highly recommended in order to avoid further problems.
Infections
Wound infection is rare after laser procedures. In the unlikely event that any wounds can be seen on the surface of the skin after laser hair reduction, infection can be controlled with antibiotic and anti viral creams.
The Risk of Eye Damage
Laser eye safety is extremely important during any treatment involving lasers. To prevent any damage to your eyes, wavelength-specific laser safety eye protection gear must be used by both operators and customers.
Skin Darkening
Whichever the type of laser that is used, there may be hyper pigmentation of skin after applying lasers. In this reaction the skin darkens because of increased pigment deposition. Usually tanned skin has a greater chance to experience this. On the plus side is that it can be readily treated with the use of bleaching creams and fades quickly.
Lightening of the Skin
Lightening of the surface of the skin, or hypo pigmentation, can occur, especially in tanned skin types and where there are multiple exposures to laser procedures. It normally fades quickly; permanent hypo pigmentation is hardly ever seen. This problem is mostly experienced with use of alexandrite, Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers.
How Concerned Should You Be?
laser hair reduction is normally a safe treatment and these side effects are very rare. laser hair removal side effects can be minimized by having a proper knowledge of the treatment and choosing a good laser hair clinic and a well reputed medical specialist who takes care of customers after treatment difficulties and uses effective and well maintained laser equipment.
Ingrid Preube
reduction of hair with laser
