Guide To Laser Hair Removal

Risks Of The Procedure

Although it is noninvasive, laser hair removal could cause minor discomfort for some patients. Patients worried about this should ask their provider for a numbing cream or cooling gel; these can be applied to the treatment site a few hours beforehand, and they substantially reduce any discomfort that might be felt. After a laser treatment session, patients could experience minor swelling, redness, and irritation in the treated area. These symptoms normally resolve within a few hours of the session. Lasers may produce changes in skin pigmentation, and the skin could become lighter or darker than normal. This change is normally temporary, and patients can reduce their risk of this potential side effect by avoiding sun exposure immediately before and after the treatment sessions. In rare cases, individuals who have had a laser session could notice crusting, blistering, or scarring at the treated area. These side effects should be reported to the treatment provider immediately.

Learn how laser hair removal stacks up against other techniques of hair removal next.