| This is the fifth report in a series of 7 that talks | | | | cannot take effect until the skin has returned to its |
| about some laser hair removal questions that many | | | | natural state. In addition, most patients are advised |
| of my friends and relatives have asked me about. | | | | not to use hair grooming products like gels, pomades, |
| What are the possible risks and side effects of laser | | | | waxes, etc. up to three-four weeks before the |
| hair removal? The side effects of laser hair removal | | | | procedure takes place. No bleaching of hair should |
| are almost always temporary. Normal side effects | | | | take place for several weeks as well. The patient |
| involve skin irritation, skin discoloring (pink or red), | | | | should shave the area in such a way that stubble |
| itching or skin dryness, swelling in the area, and there | | | | shows the day of the procedure. |
| may be some pain or tingling in the area. Side effects | | | | What should I expect after treatment? After each |
| that are more rare, yet must still be taken into | | | | treatment, the patient should avoid direct sunlight for |
| consideration, are ingrown hairs, skin infections, hyper | | | | a few days. The patient should also avoid direct |
| pigmentation (when the skin becomes darker), hypo | | | | contact with the skin in the affected area because it |
| pigmentation (skin becomes lighter) and bruising. Most | | | | will still be tender for a few days. Still the patient can |
| side effects are temporary, but in a few cases, side | | | | go about their daily or nightly activities as before as |
| effects can be permanent. This is why it is so critical | | | | long as they take the necessary precautions. Doctors |
| to find a qualified laser hair removal specialist. | | | | can also prescribe skin treatments and soothers that |
| How should I prepare for this a laser hair removal | | | | facilitate skin healing and minimize irritation after the |
| procedure? Each patient should consult with their | | | | procedure as well. |
| doctor, dermatologist or specialist to ensure the | | | | The information in this article is not intended or |
| procedure will work for them. If you decide to move | | | | implied to be a substitute for professional medical |
| forward, photographs from various angles should be | | | | advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including |
| taken to properly educate the physician on the area | | | | text, graphics, images and information, contained on |
| that is to be treated. If the patient is tanned or has | | | | or available through this article is for general |
| been exposed to excessive sunlight, the procedure | | | | information purposes only. |