Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Your Skin?

Many people opt for laser when it comes to hair removal therapy. They can be used for hair removal for all over the body: arms, legs, underarms, face etc. It is slowly becoming one of the most common cosmetic procedures in Pakistan.

Laser has replaced shaving, tweezing and waxing, for removal of facial hair especially. It works by beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles and destroying the hair. However, Laser should be done by trained experts; mostly it is offered by dermatologists, but other trained individuals do it as well. In the long run, laser has proven safe. Although there may be temporary short term side effects, they are gone in a few hours.

There are many benefits to using laser versus other forms of hair removal:

Precision:

Unlike waxing, and shaving, laser hair removal is more precise. It can target selective areas for hair removal. The surrounding skin remains undamaged and unaffected while targeting the dark, coarse hair.

Speed:

A single pulse can take a fraction of a second, and treat many hairs at the same time. Small regions, like the upper lip, can be treated in under a minute. Larger areas like the legs can take up to an hour.

Permanence:

Three to seven sessions can result in permanent hair loss. Patients with coarse and dark hair may need more sessions compared to people with fine and light hair.

Risks of laser hair removal:

Skin irritation: Temporarily, some side effects such as mild skin irritation may be seen. These side effects vary according to skin type, hair color, and care after the treatment. Skin irritation can cause some discomfort that goes away after a few hours. Redness and swelling are common manifestations.

Pigment changes: the affected area may be lightened or darkened in response to treatment. For light-skinned individuals, the skin may become darkened, and for people with deeper skin tone, the affected area may lighten. It is important to adhere to post-treatment protocols for this reason. In either case, discuss the condition with your healthcare provider.

Is it safe?

Severe side effects with laser are rare. There is increased risk only if you are opting for home-kits or you go to an inexperienced provider. Some rare side effects may include excessive hair in the treatment area, changes in skin texture, scarring, crusting of the skin. Even though these side effects are rare, it is important to be aware of them and discuss them with your doctor if they occur.

To prevent such side effects, you can ask the technicians to adjust the laser setting so the risk is minimized.

Can pregnant women use laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant ladies. Many women experience increased hair growth in regions like the stomach and breast, but most commonly these excessive hair fall out on their own after pregnancy is over.

If you want to opt for laser hair removal, then book an appointment with top dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc and Find the Best Doctors in Pakistan, or call our helpline to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.

My name is Usman and I am working with oladoc.com— Pakistan’s premier digital health company. Using oladoc, you can find a top dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, and seek appointment online.