Laser Hair Removal

Removing hair by shaving, pulling, or waxing often only lasts a moment. Lately, many people have begun trying laser procedures to remove hair, because the results have proven to last longer. However, this procedure also carries a number of risks, such as redness and pain.

Laser procedures for removing hair are carried out by emitting high-strength rays on the hair follicles. 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 pause of several weeks, to be able to remove the hair in the desired area perfectly.

The laser does not permanently remove hair. Fur can grow back in a few months or several years. However, the hair that grows will be less, thinner, and not as dark as before. Laser action can be repeated when the hair grows back.

Risk of Laser Hair Removal

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

1. Skin irritation

The skin can experience irritation which is characterized by redness in the newly diluted area, or the appearance of swelling accompanied by pain. Usually these side effects will subside on their own after a few hours.

2. Change in skin color

Light-skinned people may experience darker skin discoloration, 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 laser procedures for removing hair can also cause blisters on the skin, and can be accompanied by fluid or dead cells that have dried (crust).

Scarring can also be formed after the procedure. In addition, some patients with a history of herpes simplex can also experience recurrence.

4. Excessive hair growth

In certain cases, the area of ​​the skin that has been diluted has excessive hair growth. This effect is rare and is more common in people with dark skin.

Preparation Before Laser Hair Removal
To reduce unwanted risks, there are a number of things you need to prepare before undergoing a laser removal procedure, namely:

• Make sure the procedure is done by a doctor who is experienced and trained to carry out this action.
• Inform the doctor clearly about the history of the disease and the drugs you are taking.
• Ask your doctor about laser procedure steps and the preparation and treatment needed, including any medications that need to be avoided before and after the laser.
• Avoid sun exposure for 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 discoloration of the skin after laser action.
Avoid pulling out feathers or waxing for 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.
Short hair shave the day before the procedure. This can help reduce the risk of skin irritation, because the amount of melanin pigment that is targeted on the surface of the skin becomes less.
Shaving hair is permissible because it still leaves the hair shaft and hair roots beneath the surface of the skin.

Treatment After Laser Hair Removal

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

• Avoid sunlight for about six weeks after the procedure or according to the doctor's advice. Use sunscreen when going to outdoor activities during the day.
• Avoid exposure to UV light from certain tools, such as tanning beds.
• Use the medication 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 provide pain medication to relieve pain in the skin.

Use cold compresses on the area of ​​the skin that feels sore, reddish, or swollen
If blisters or blisters arise on the skin, do not scratch or break the blisters.
The risk of laser procedures to remove hair can be minimized with proper preparation, workmanship and care. If after skin laser has been irritated, it will not improve, wounds appear, or blisters, do not hesitate to see a doctor immediately.

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