Just like any other medical procedure, there are certain risks from getting laser hair treatments. Although incredibly safe and rare, laser hair removal risks and potential side effects may occur. Knowing these risks could help a patient make an informed and intelligent decision about having laser hair treatments.

Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair. Because intense heat is passed through the skin during treatment, any wrong move could prove to be disastrous. Although this treatment is approved by the FDA for its effectiveness, along comes with it are laser hair removal risks.

Laser hair removal is composed of two side effects, temporary and permanent.

Temporary laser hair removal risks – some of the temporary side effects are:

• Reddening of the skin after treatment – Happens because of the continuous laser exposure
• Skin blistering – Caused by higher power of laser used on dark skin types
• Swelling – Skin may swell because of the heat from the laser being absorbed by the skin
• Irritation – Skin irritation like scabbing may occur after the laser treatment
• Hyperpigmentation – Common with patients having lighter skin types. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the treated skin due to the stimulation of melanin production caused by the heat from the laser.  Fortuantely, this effect is reversible.

Permanent laser hair removal risks – some of the permanent side effects are:

• Burns – Heat from the laser if not adjusted properly, could burn the skin of the patient due to intense heat
• Scarring – The skin may scar if an infection after the laser treatment happens
• Hypopigmentation – Common with patients having darker skin types. – Hypopigmentation is the lightening of the treated skin due to the inhibition of melanin production caused by the heat from the laser. Unlike Hyperpigmentation, this effect is non-reversible.

If you are already decided on having a laser treatment, find a reputable laser hair removal clinic. Always consult the practitioner first to know if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal treatments. Address any medical condition or if you are under any medical treatment. Also, look for certified and experienced practitioner to do your laser hair removal treatment. A respectable and experienced practitioner will always tell you the laser hair removal risks involved.

Bottom line is, do your research first before undergoing any type of laser hair removal treatment. It is important to be prepared by being aware of the laser hair removal risks involved. As stated earlier, a lot of these risks arise from improper use of laser equipment and if treatments are performed by unqualified and inexperienced practitioners. You could greatly reduce these risks by having your treatment done by an experienced and qualified practitioner from a highly respectable laser hair removal treatment center.