Is Laser Hair Removal Dangerous? 3 Things You Should Know Beforehand

How often do you shave, wax, pluck, and groom your hair? Unwanted hair is a pain and is difficult to get rid of. For this reason, many chose laser hair removal.

You may ask yourself, “Does it work? Will the hair grow back?” and perhaps most importantly “Is laser hair removal dangerous?” Keep reading this guide to learn about the things you should know before pursuing laser hair removal. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Dangerous?

Laser hair removal is a great idea if you want to get rid of unwanted hair for good. As with any medical procedure, laser hair removal is not without its side effects. Here are a few things you may experience if you get laser hair removal. 

1. Risk Of Irritation Or Injury To Your Skin

This type of hair removal process uses a targeted laser to remove unwanted hair and keep it from growing back. To do this, the laser actually damages the hair follicle itself. Bursts of light energy target the follicles and destroy them. 

Following a laser hair removal session, you will experience redness irritation that can be soothed with topical treatments or anti-inflammatories. However, some experience more intense side effects such as crusting and skin discoloration.

2. Skin Infections

While irritation and swelling are temporary and considered benign, it’s important to take proper care of the treated area. Improper aftercare can lead to an infection. The area should be treated the same way you would treat a cut or burn.

A small number of people experience rare side effects of laser hair removal. Some of these include burning, blistering, or scarring of the treated area. 

3. Prepare and Aftercare

Laser hair removal isn’t a very painful process. Many people compare the sensation following the procedure to that of a sunburn. But if you do not heed your doctor’s advice for preparation and aftercare, the side effects you experience may be worse.

Those with sensitive skin should talk to their doctor or dermatologist to see if laser hair removal is a good option. To prepare for a laser hair removal session, you should do the following things: 

• Avoid excessive amounts of sunlight 
• Do not use skin creams or tanning lotions to darken the color of your skin 
• Do not use other types of hair removal treatments, such as plucking or waxing, before your laser hair removal session 
• If possible, avoid taking blood-thinners such as aspirin before the session 
• Keep up with regular shaving and trimming up until your hair removal session 

If you follow the proper steps before and after the process, you are less likely to experience harsh side effects.

Getting Laser Hair Removal

Back to the original question, “Is laser hair removal dangerous?” Laser hair removal is a largely safe practice if it is performed under the right conditions.

If you plan to undergo a laser hair removal session, make sure you talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Know how to properly prepare for your laser hair removal session and how to take care of the treated area afterward.

Make sure the person doing your removal is properly trained or a licensed dermatologist. Salons and other unregulated shops sometimes offer laser hair removal but the technicians may not have the right equipment, training, or knowledge on how to treat problems that may arise.

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