Complications of Laser Hair Removal

Laser treatments today are getting more involved in the medical field. Usually, laser treatments are used in surgery and aesthetic procedures. And one the many aesthetic procedures where laser is used is for hair removal. However, laser hair removal isn’t perfect, and there are some side effects involved after treatment is done. So what are the complications of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatments most often do not cause any major side effects that can harm clients. Complications of laser hair removal may vary from person to person. However, discussed below are the more usual complications of laser hair removal experienced by clients:

  • Hyperpigmentation: This is the most common complication of laser hair removal, characterized by an increase in pigmentation on the skin. This is more expressed on clients who have dark or who have tanned skin. Hyperpigmentation usually disappears after 6 months.
  • Hypopigmentation: This is another common complication of laser hair removal post treatment. Hypopigmentation is more expressed among dark skinned individuals and those who have had multiple laser treatments. While this kind of complication of laser hair removal is quite rare, it still occurs. This complication of laser hair removal is common in Alexandrite, Nd:YAG and alexandrite laser treatments.
  • Erythema: Another complication of laser hair removal is erythema, or reddening on the targeted areas. Erythema may vary according to laser treatment extent and depth of dermal injury.
  • Blistering: This complication of laser hair removal is commonly seen in clients with dark skin who underwent laser treatments of high fluences. Appropriate cooling devices or substances may be given to correct this condition. 
  • Skin scarring: This is a complication of laser hair removal that is commonly seen on earlier laser hair removal treatments. Q-switched and pulsed lasers are now being used in order to prevent skin scarring after a laser hair removal session.
  • Infection: This is a complication of laser hair removal that rarely occurs among clients. This is only manifested on clients whose epidermis has been severely damaged. Microorganisms like viruses, fungus and bacteria causes aggravation of wound infections. Antibiotic and anti-viral agents are used as prophylactic measures post-treatment.

By all measures, the most important thing to remember for clients to avoid complication of laser hair removal is to avoid direct or non-direct contact of laser beams with the eyes. Thermal emission of these lasers causes eyesight damage. It is important that wavelength specific goggles are worn by both the client and laser specialist to avoid this complication of laser hair removal.

The abovementioned complications of laser hair removal are rare manifestations. Appropriate interventions given will easily alleviate discomfort.