The Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal is a great long-term solution to remove unwanted hair. Before beginning any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the problems that may arise from it. The information given here will not replace advice from a medical professional, but the risks listed can serve as a guideline for a person to know what questions he should ask the doctor before deciding to undergo a laser treatment.
Pain is the most common side effect that a patient will experience. It occurs both during and after the treatment. Before a patient sits down to have his hair removed, the doctor or technician may apply a topical anesthetic to the affected area. A doctor may prescribe a prescription pain reliever to deal with the pain after the procedure. The pain is usually experienced as a stinging sensation in the treated area.
Redness at the treatment area is another common side effect. The redness usually disappears after a day or two, as long as the patient follows the instructions of his doctor and stays out of the sun. If he or she must go out into the sun, he may want to wear a hat, sunglasses, pants and a long-sleeved shirt to minimize his or her exposure to the sun.
Swelling frequently occurs in the treated area. The swelling usually occurs at about the same time the pain does. A small amount of swelling is normal, but you should see a doctor if it the treated area does not return to normal in the affected area.
A patient can suffer flare-ups from Herpes complex viruses as a result of laser hair treatment. A patient should tell his doctor if he or she suffers from any form of herpes in the area that will be treated. The doctor will determine the risks and decide whether or not a patient should choose a different hair removal method.