Laser Hair Removal Series: Is It Safe?

At Hillandale Primary Care and Laser Care, we have put together a Laser Hair Removal Series to answer all of your questions. Here are some of the blogs addressing questions you may be interested in getting the answers before you sign up for an appointment to remove unwanted hair on your body.

• Is it Safe?
• How to Prepare?
• What Are the Benefits?

In this blog, here is information about if laser hair removal is safe. Read more to find out.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is one of the best options for people wanting a more permanent solution than some other methods. It works by stopping the hair follicles from growing new hairs.

Tweezing, shaving, or waxing hair is a tried and true method of temporary hair removal. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that can permanently reduce unwanted hair on the face and body using beams of highly concentrated light (laser). You can achieve smooth, soft hair-free skin with laser hair removal in Lithonia and Lawrenceville.

During the process, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, and the light energy is converted to heat. The light energy damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

For the initial hair removal, multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed. Maintenance treatments may be needed, as well. If you have light skin and dark hair, laser hair removal is most effective for you.

Is it safe?

Before embarking on laser hair removal therapy, people should make themselves aware of some side effects of laser hair removal. For most people, laser hair removal is a safe way to get rid of hair in unwanted places permanently or for long periods of time.

The procedure is safe and comfortable with little to no downtime required. Laser hair removal should only be performed by a qualified, trained professional.

The majority of people who use it find that laser hair removal is safe and well-tolerated. There do not appear to be any long-term health risks associated with the procedure.

Side effects

You can have minor side effects after laser hair removal, which are temporary. People should ask their dermatologist to test how a small patch of skin reacts to the treatment before having it done on a larger area of skin.

For a couple of days after treatment, the affected skin may become red and tender. Many people describe the sensation as similar to a sunburn. The process itself, however, is typically not painful.

The laser damages the follicles of the targeted hairs. The body reacts to this, and many people experience redness and irritation in the affected areas. The skin may tingle or feel tender, and may even appear to swell slightly.

The symptoms are usually very temporary and don’t last long. Your skin may look similar to just waxed or plucked skin. Some dermatologists use a topical anesthetic to reduce how much a person’s skin reacts to the process.

Irritation should ease after the initial reaction, usually within a few hours of the treatment. Swelling and redness may respond well to ice packs or a cool bath.

Some people may experience skin crusting in the affected area. This is typically a minor issue but can be inconvenient. Crusting can sometimes lead to scabbing or scarring. It is recommended to use a moisturizer.

Some people may notice minor color changes to the treated area of skin. Following laser hair removal, your skin may get slightly darker or lighter.

People with lighter skin may be more likely to experience darker pigmentation changes. People with darker skin tones may be more prone to lighter pigmentation changes. These changes tend to fade away over time, and the skin returns to normal.

Contact us at 770-322-9660 to make an appointment or consultation regarding a laser hair removal treatment.

Hillandale Primary Care & Laser Center is owned and operated by Dr. Saira Tariq Niaz, who is a board-certified family physician with offices in Lithonia and Lawrenceville Georgia. Hillandale Primary Care provides patient-focused, compassionate healthcare of the highest quality to each patient and delivers acute and chronic healthcare to patients of all ages. We are passionate about preventive medicine and encourage each of our patients to take an active role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Call today at 770-322-9660 or request an appointment.