Laser Hair Removal

Removing hair by shaving, pulling, or waxing often only lasts for a moment. Lately, many people have begun to try laser procedures to remove hair, because the results are proven to last longer. However, this procedure also saves some risks, such as skin redness and pain. The laser procedure for removing hair is done by emitting high-energy rays on the roots (follicles) of the hair. The energy from this laser beam is absorbed by the dye or melanin in the hair root, then converted into heat energy which damages the hair root itself. Usually it takes 2-6 times the laser procedure with a gap of several weeks, to be able to remove hair in the desired area perfectly. The laser does not remove hair permanently. Fur can grow back in a few months or several years. However, the hair that grows will be fewer, thinner, and not as dark as before. The laser action can be repeated when the hair grows back.

Risk of Removing Hair with Laser

Although relatively safe because it is not an invasive (surgical) procedure, the use of lasers to remove hair remains at risk of causing side effects, including:

1. Skin irritation

The skin may experience irritation that is marked by redness in the newly laser area, or the appearance of swelling accompanied by pain. Usually these side effects will subside after a few hours.

2. Changes in skin color

Light-skinned people may experience changes in skin color becomes darker, and vice versa. These side effects are usually only temporary, although in rare cases, they can also be permanent.

3. Changes in skin texture

Sometimes the laser procedure for removing hair can also cause blisters on the skin, and can be accompanied by fluid or dead cells that have dried (crusting). Scarring can also form after the procedure. In addition, some patients with a history of herpes simplex can also experience a recurrence.

4. Excessive hair growth

In certain cases, the area of ​​the skin that has been lasered just experienced excessive hair growth. This effect is rare and is more commonly experienced by people with dark skin.

Preparation before removing hair with laser

To reduce these unwanted risks, there are several things you need to prepare before undergoing a laser hair removal procedure, namely:

• Make sure the procedure is done by a doctor who is experienced and trained to perform this procedure.
• Make your doctor clear about the history of the disease and the medicines you are taking.
• Ask your doctor about the steps in the laser procedure and the preparations and treatments needed, including what medications need to be avoided before and after the laser.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight since the previous six weeks, and use sunscreen if you want to do outdoor activities during the day.
• Sun exposure can increase the risk of irritation and skin discoloration after laser procedures.
• Avoid pulling hair or waxing since the previous six weeks. The laser will be directed to the pigment in the hair root. If the hair root has been removed by extracting or waxing, the laser beam will lose its target and become ineffective.
• Shave your hair short the day before the procedure. This can help reduce the risk of skin irritation, because the number of melanin pigments that are targeted on the surface of the skin becomes less.
• Shaving the hair is allowed because it still leaves the hair shaft and hair roots under the surface of the skin.

Treatment after removing hair with laser

After undergoing a laser to remove hair, there are several treatments you can do to reduce skin pain and irritation, as well as speed healing, including:

• Avoid sunlight for about six weeks after the procedure or according to doctor's advice. Use sunscreen when going outdoors outside during the day.
• Avoid exposure to UV rays from certain tools, such as tanning beds.
• Use the medicine given by the doctor according to the dosage and instructions for use. Your doctor may give a cream or lotion to reduce irritation. Doctors can also give painkillers to relieve pain in the skin.
• Use cold compresses on areas of skin that feel sore, reddish, or swollen
• If blisters or blisters appear on the skin, do not scratch or break the blister.

The risk of laser procedures to remove hair can be minimized by proper preparation, workmanship, and care. If after irritating the skin has an irritation that does not improve, there are sores, or blisters, do not hesitate to see a doctor immediately.