Laser Hair Removal Complications

So far laser hair removal seems to be quite harmless. It hasn't been around for long enough for there to be comprehensive long term studies done, but the short term effects are definitely that laser hair removal complications are minor and the procedure is very beneficial to the recipient.

What Are the Risks?

Just like with any medical procedure there are risks involved when you choose to remove unwanted hair with laser. Serious side effects and complications are not common with laser hair elimination. Some people get an itch, maybe some redness or a bit of swelling, but it rarely does it go beyond that. However, if you are considering getting your hair lasered, you should know all the possibilities before you go under the beam.

What Can Laser Hair Elimination Complications Be?

1. Because the laser beam burns off the hair follicles, the risk is that the skin can get burned as well. It takes accuracy and practice to have the right balance. That is why it is important to do your background research before choosing your clinic. Regardless, it is not uncommon to have a little bit of redness where the hair follicle was, possibly some swelling and sometimes scabs.

2. Hyper pigmentation is a rare complication of laser hair removal. It is a term for discoloration of the skin, light or dark. Most cases of hyper pigmentation are short lived, but in very rare cases it could last a few months, or even rarer; permanent discoloration.

3. Very rarely does scarring occur, and then only because of a previous skin injury.

Infection is of course a risk with all procedures, but if you are prone to infections, or if you are susceptible to cold sores, you should talk to your doctor about this prior to treatment. You doctor may prescribe medication before you get laser treatment. Infection is not a common side effect.

Although this is not a conclusive list of side effects or possible laser hair removal complications, laser hair removal seems to be very harmless, and if you are a healthy person with no sensitivities or allergies, you should not have any issues.

If you are prone to allergies or have skin sensitivities, you should make sure to mention this to your doctor prior to treatment; then it is up to the doctor to take the proper precautions. Gone are the days when you had to have light skin and dark hair in order to qualify for this type of hair removal, but make sure the clinic you choose is experienced with your skin type, and possibly the complications you are predisposed to.