Laser hair removal is a great option for people who have unwanted facial hair. But, there are some side effects that you might experience. Here are the most common ones: Pain: It can be painful when the laser touches your skin, especially if you have darker skin or if you have a lot of hair. The pain will last for a few seconds, but it won’t last long.
Bruising: You might get some bruising where the laser was used on your face. This is normal and should go away in a few days. Skin discoloration: Some people may notice their faces getting slightly darker after having their unwanted facial hair removed with lasers. This is called pigment change, and it’s usually temporary (it will go away within six months). Soreness: Your face might feel sore after having laser hair removal done on it—especially if you have dark skin or if you had a lot of hair removed at once (that’s why we recommend coming in for multiple sessions).
Read on to learn more about Laser For Facial Hair Side Effects, laser hair removal side effects cancer and how many sessions for laser hair removal
Laser For Facial Hair Side Effects
The idea of permanent hair removal is quite tempting. Isn’t it? Well, laser hair removal may seem like a blessing to you, especially if you tend to get ingrown hair or uneven skin tone as a result of other hair removal methods.
While laser hair removal treatment is mostly considered to be safe, there might be side effects linked to it. So, before you decide to spend a fortune, know more about the possible downsides of this procedure too.
In this article, we bring out the truths and break the myths about laser hair removal and tell you what you should consider before going for it.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Even though laser treatment is termed as a ‘permanent’ hair removal procedure, that might not be the case. In laser treatment, a specialised beam of radiation is targeted to a particular area on your skin. The laser produces heat which either damages or destroys the hair follicles. A hair follicle is a sac-like structure from which the hair shaft grows out.
Usually after the first treatment, all the hair follicles are not destroyed. But because most of the hair follicles are damaged, you do not get any hair growth for a prolonged period of time. Also the new hair that grows out is usually finer and lighter in colour [1]. Some of you might require multiple laser treatment sessions to get satisfactory results. Your hair is likely to grow lighter and thinner with every treatment session.
Also, you might need maintenance sessions later to keep the desired area hair-free.
Image: Shutterstock
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects Cancer
Laser treatment is generally considered to be a safe procedure if performed under the supervision of a dermatologist. This treatment is well tolerated by most people but some may experience adverse reactions post treatment. Consider getting a patch test done by your doctor before going for the full treatment.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association the most common side effects of laser treatment are:
1. Redness
2. Discomfort
3. Some amount of swelling [2]
These symptoms usually disappear by themselves within a short span of time. Your dermatologist will prescribe a topical ointment to apply on the treated area if deemed necessary.
Other less common adverse effects of laser treatment include:
1. Changes In Skin Colour Of The Treated Area
The treated area of your skin may become a shade darker or lighter than the rest of your body, but it is usually temporary. In very rare cases, the discoloration of the skin treated with laser may become permanent.
2. Crusting Or Scarring
In some people laser treatment may cause hardening of the treated area which may lead to a scab or a scar. Taking good care of the treated skin as per your doctor’s recommendations will speed up the healing process. A mild moisturiser can be used to relieve irritation.
3. Skin Infections
Since the hair follicles and its surrounding cells may be damaged during the laser treatment, the area of the skin is like a wound. Thus the laser treated area may get infection if proper care is not taken during the healing period [3]. If you see any signs of infection such as eruptions or fluid oozing from the treated area, consult your doctor immediately to avoid further complications.
4. Burns Or Blisters
Laser therapy involves usage of equipments that can produce considerable amounts of heat. Excessive heat can cause burns on your skin, if not handled properly. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you get the laser therapy done by a qualified medical professional only.
Also, avoid exposing your laser treated skin to direct sun until it is healed completely. This will help you avoid sun damage or blisters on the treated skin.
4. Eye Injury
The strong laser beam used for hair removal is capable of causing injury to the eye, especially while being used on the face. Appropriate eye protection gear should be used to avoid any adverse effects of laser on the eye.
How Long Does It Take For Hair To Grow Back After Laser Treatment?
Hair regrowth after laser treatment may be seen anywhere between a few months to even a few years in certain cases. Initially hair regrowth may be seen in 4 to 6 weeks of the laser therapy. But after a consistent treatment of 4 to 6 sessions, you may need a touch up every 6 months or a year to remain stubble free.
Also, how fast your hair grows back depends on a number of factors such as the following:
1. Area of Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal is more effective in certain areas of your body than others. Hair on your face such as the upper lip, chin, sideburns or neck grow back faster than your body hair such as those on your back, arms and legs. The rate of regrowth post treatment varies from person to person but the new hair is usually sparse and finier, making it less apparent.
In very rare cases, some people develop a condition called paradoxical hypertrichosis. Individuals with this condition tend to develop darker and thicker hair in areas surrounding the laser treated skin.
2. Skin And Hair Colour
Laser hair removal is typically most effective if you have a light skin tone with dark hair. The melanin in the hair absorbs the laser better and gives better results. If you have grey, white or blonde hair, laser hair removal will not be much effective for you. However, the current advances in laser technology has made it possible to make laser hair removal available for people of all skin and hair color.
3. Phase Of Hair Growth
The hair on your body are at different stages of growth at any given point of time:
- Anagen- growing phase
- Catagen- transitional phase
- Telogen- resting phase
- Exogen- shedding phase
Laser treatment can target only the hair in the anagen or growing phase which are present within the follicle under the surface of your skin. Therefore, you might require multiple sessions of the treatment spanned over an appropriate period of time to get rid of all the hair in a particular area.
Myths Associated With Laser Hair Removal
Myth 1: Laser Therapy Causes Infertility
Fact
The laser beam used for hair removal works only at the surface of your skin. It does not reach your internal organs. Thus, there are almost no chances of laser treatment affecting your fertility. However, the effects of laser treatment on pregnant and nursing mothers are unknown. Therefore it is best to avoid laser treatments during pregnancy or while you are planning to conceive.
Also, you experience some hormonal changes post birth which can affect your hair growth pattern. So it makes sense to plan laser hair removal after you have given birth and are done with breastfeeding.
Myth 2: Laser Hair Removal Can Cause Cancer
Fact
The type of laser radiation used for hair removal is usually completely safe and does not penetrate too deep into your skin surface. Laser beams used for hair removal do not contain the high energy UV radiations. The high energy radiations are the ones that can damage your DNA leading to cancer.
No direct association of laser hair removal treatments with cancers have been found. If done under proper medical supervision laser therapy for hair removal does not elevate the chances of cancer. [4]
Myth 3: Laser Hair Removal Is A Very Painful Procedure
Fact
The level of discomfort felt during laser therapy varies from person to person. Some people may feel a pin-prick like sensation or a little heat. But lasers today come with cooling fans which reduce the heat sensation. Your dermatologist may also use a cooling gel or an anesthetic ointment right before the procedure to minimise the discomfort.
Laser hair removal is definitely less painful than other methods like waxing. If done under a certified professional, it is safer and quicker without any risks of cuts or wounds. The first session may be a little painful for you, but it gets better with more sessions.
Myth 4: It Causes Hair To Grow More Dense And Frequent
Fact
The hair that grows back in the area treated with laser, is actually thinner and finer. Laser damages or destroys the hair follicles from which the hair grows. So an effective laser hair removal therapy can not result in a more dense regrowth in the treated area. Actually there should be a reduction of about 10 to 25% reduction in hair growth after each session of laser therapy.
Myth 5: You Will Get Permanent Hair Removal In A Single Session
Fact
Laser therapy can only destroy hair that’s in the growing phase, and not the ones lying dormant within the follicle. Within a few days of the therapy the dormant hair will start growing actively. So a minimum of 4 to 6 sessions, spaced over a few weeks, are required to destroy all the hair in the targeted area. However, the number of sessions required by you will depend on a number of factors like your hair type, rate of regrowth and so on.
How Many Sessions For Laser Hair Removal
Laser therapy involves the usage of advanced equipment for letting you achieve the desired results of hair removal. It is best to consult a doctor at all stages of this procedure.
Post therapy, you should immediately see your dermatologist in case you develop fever, rashes or other symptoms of a systemic infection which is very rare. Do not use antibiotic creams or ointments without consulting your doctor if you doubt a bacterial or fungal infection.
Wrapping Up
Laser therapy may be one of the best ways to get rid of the unwanted hair on your body. But you should understand the pros and cons of this treatment and if it is suitable for you or can give you the desired results. Your dermatologist is the best person to decide the most effective laser treatment for you and also to design the treatment regime. Learn about the side effects of laser therapy well in advance to make an informed decision. Remember that your skin and hair is unique, so are its reactions and requirements.
Laser treatment for active acne
For chronic breakouts that can’t be resolved with over-the-counter salicylic acid or a faithful Proactiv protocol, light therapy is often the dermatologist’s go-to solution. But before you commit to expensive rounds of infrared energy or intense pulsed beams, consider this: A recent review in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology casts some doubt on the effectiveness of such treatments—citing a lack of consistent data on the topic. Although light therapy, especially in the form of multi-colored LED sessions, is exploding in popularity in doctor’s offices and via at-home devices, the research hasn’t caught up with the demand. In fact, “There’s much we still don’t know about the optimal types of light, energy, and frequency,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.
Taking aim at breakouts can be particularly tricky. “Treating acne in the office with light therapy and at-home devices is an art form that challenges even the most experienced board certified dermatologist,” says Ellen Marmur, M.D. The difficulty, she adds, is that “acne is a manifestation of a very complex inflammatory response to a patient’s environment, habits, diet, sleep patterns, and other variables.” In other words, there’s no magic bullet—or flash of light—that will clear everyone’s complexion in the same way.
So what treatments still reign supreme and are worth investing in? Most experts agree that a multi-pronged approach—that tackles acne from many different angles—delivers long-term results. Think of it as cross-training for your skin; in other words, the answer is built on a thoughtful combination of three major principles, overseen by a skilled dermatologist.
1. Commit to a pore-clearing range of pro treatments.
Depending on the type and severity of breakouts, dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., often recommends a course of Adapalene, a resurfacing retinoid cream, along with monthly exfoliating chemical peels (20 to 35 percent trichloroacetic acid) and Isolaz sessions (which utilize red and blue light to kill bacteria and calm inflammation). Marmur, meanwhile, might pair Clear + Brilliant laser treatments (“which pierce tiny holes” in the skin to release trapped debris in pores) with purifying HydraFacials that gently slough dead skin and deliver brightening agents and collagen-building peptides for an “amazing radiance.”
2. Invest in an at-home device—and be consistent.
The price for pro-level treatments can add up—hence the popularity of at-home light therapy devices. Nazarian, for her part, does see noticeable results from skin-clearing gadgets such as Tria Beauty’s Positively Clear Acne Clearing Blue Light or Neutrogena’s Light Therapy Acne Mask, both of which rely on blue light to eliminate P. acnes bacteria and get to the root cause of breakouts. (And if your tool also emits red light, Nazarian finds it can “improve residual marks left on skin even after pimples have gone away.”) With any at-home device, though, consistency is key. “Daily use is important because the light treatments are not as strong as in-office versions,” says Nazarian.
3. Practice daily maintenance—but recalibrate when necessary.
To maintain results, Marmur says having a flexible routine that can shift with the seasons and “life fluctuations, like hormones” is critical. So is sticking to good skin-care habits, including washing with cosmeceutical-grade cleansers and barrier-strengthening moisturizers (she’s loyal to SkinMedica Purifying Foaming Wash and SkinBetter Interfuse Treatment Cream, respectively). Lastly, track any changes in your complexion with your dermatologist so you can make adjustments and recalibrate your routine over time. As Marmur says, “There is definitely not a one-size-fits-all acne treatment.”
Acne laser treatment price
Do you know there are many treatment options for reducing acne scars, burn marks, accidental scars and pigmented scars available in various skin clinics? Read this article to know more about the different scar removal treatments available in India and their respective cost per session. In addition to this, learn why laser scar removal treatment is a better bet compared to all other procedures.
Why Should You Opt For Scar Removal Treatment?
You may be looking for scar removal treatments if you have the following types of scars.
- Acne Scars– You may be having acne scars if you had regular breakouts as a teenager or young adult. Scars due to acne can vary in appearance from deep pits and deep V-shaped scars to those having irregular edges and undulating surfaces. Acne scars can be a significant aesthetic concern as they adversely affect the texture of your skin and therefore, treatments to correct it are in huge demand.
- Other Scars – Apart from acne, other causes like injury, burns, cuts, scratches, chickenpox, surgical procedures (e.g., C-section) and sutures can leave a visible mark or scar on your skin.
Must Read: Effective Treatment For Acne Scars And Pimple Marks
How Can A Scar Revision Treatment Help?
With the advancement of dermatology, several treatment options are available to correct scarred tissue. Broadly, any scar correction procedure falls under non-surgical and surgical solutions, each involving different costs and benefits. The question arises why laser scar removal treatment always stands out. Let’s understand the laser procedure for scar removal and its benefits in detail.
How Does Laser Scar Removal Work?
Laser treatment uses high-intensity focused light energy in a controlled manner to treat the scarred tissue. The deeper skin layers absorb the heat generated to heal the damaged tissue. It stimulates the fibroblast cells to produce collagen and result in the complete remodelling of the scar tissue. This reduces the appearance of scars and offers a visible improvement in your skin texture.
Laser scar removal primarily helps treat all types of post-acne scars, including atrophic and hypertrophic scars. It also helps diminish chickenpox scars. Doctors may recommend laser procedure as a standalone or combination treatment based on the type of scar you have.
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Cost Of Laser Treatment For Acne Scars
The packages for laser acne scar removal available in India vary between Rs 7,000 and Rs 20,000 per session, depending on the size of the area treated. However, it may differ for one person to another based on the type and severity of the scar, the treatment option selected and the number of sessions recommended.
Laser treatment for other scars/marks
- The packages for laser treatment of chickenpox scars cost between Rs 6,000 and Rs 20,000.
- The packages for laser treatment of burn marks cost from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000.
- The packages for laser removal of accident/injury scars have a price range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.
Please note that the above prices are indicative only. It may vary from clinic to clinic due to its location and reputation, the experience of the dermatologist performing the procedure and the laser technology used. It is advisable to visit a reputed skin clinic to know the exact cost of laser scar removal treatment.
Here is a price comparison of laser scar removal treatment available across some major cities in India:
Here is a price comparison across some major cities in India:
| Laser Treatment for Acne Scars (Cost/Session) | ||
| City | Minimum | Maximum |
| Bangalore | Rs 7,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Chennai | Rs 7,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 7,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Kochi | Rs 5,000 | Rs 18,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs 8,000 | Rs 22,000 |
| NCR (Delhi) | Rs 8,000 | Rs 22,000 |
| Pune | Rs 6,000 | Rs 18,000 |
| Visakhapatnam | Rs 5,000 | Rs 17,000 |
| Kolkata | Rs 7,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Vijayawada | Rs 5,000 | Rs 15,000 |
Why Does Price Of Laser Treatment For Scar Removal Vary?
The following factors influence the price of laser scar removal in India-
- Size Of The Scar – The size of the scar plays a vital role in analysing the modality of treatment and the number of sessions required. Both these factors may up the price of treatment.
- Depth Of The Scar – Scars that penetrate the deeper layers of skin, will need more sessions of laser treatment and involve a higher cost of treatment.
- Type Of Scar – Different types of scars require a combination treatment which may increase the expense involved.
- Experienced Practitioner – A trained doctor with more experience in using specialised techniques may command a higher fee for the procedure.
- Clinic Location – Clinics located in major cities and at posh localities may charge a premium for offering advanced aesthetic treatments.
Other Scar Revision Treatments And Cost
Here are some of the other dermatologist-recommended treatments for scar removal and their cost details.
- Chemical Peels: Dermatologists use plant-based extracts to exfoliate the upper layers of dead skin. The treatment helps fade pigmented scars to a large extent. The price of chemical peeling treatment for scars ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 per session.Micro-needling Radiofrequency (MNRF): Radiofrequency currents help to create thermal zones in the dermis and reduce scars. The heat generated stimulates new collagen production and improves the appearance of the skin. The average cost of MNRF treatment for scar is between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 per session.
- Microdermabrasion: It is a mildly abrasive treatment that helps remove the dead cells from the surface layer to reveal undamaged and firmer skin. The average cost of microdermabrasion treatment for scars is between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per session.
- Dermal Fillers: Doctors administer fillers containing hyaluronic acid at the site of the depressed scar to fill it for a few months or up to a year. Over time, the enzymes in the body digest the hyaluronic acid. This modality of treatment does not offer long-lasting results. Price of scar treatment using dermal fillers ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1, 00,000 per session (based on the brand).
- Skin Grafting: This is a complicated surgical procedure that involves using a graft from body areas with higher fat content, such as the thighs and transplanting it in the target area. Doctors use this modality for treating burn marks or post-traumatic scars. Surgical options tend to be invasive, expensive, and involve significant downtime. The price range for skin grafting treatment starts from Rs 50,000 and goes up to Rs 1,00,000.
- Excision: This procedure reduces the appearance of the scar by cutting the damaged tissue out and fusing the skin with multiple layers of appropriate sutures. The cost of the treatment starts from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per session.
- Topical Applications: Silicon-based scar removal creams may be available OTC, but it is advisable to ask a doctor before using them. Topical creams have a limited effect in comparison to laser scar removal treatment as they cannot penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Price for topical applications ranges from Rs 900 to Rs 7,000 based on the brand and composition.
A doctor decides the modality of treatment based on the type and the severity of the scar. Laser treatments are one of the most effective procedures for scar removal due to their precision and efficacy. However, your dermatologist may advise it in combination with MNRF and chemical peels procedure to achieve the best results.
Lasers Vs Other Scar Removal Treatments
Laser treatment is one of the most effective procedures for scar removal due to its precision and efficacy. However, your dermatologist may advise it in combination with MNRF and chemical peels procedure to achieve the best results.
Here are some of the top benefits that laser scar removal treatment offers:
- Quick Procedure – The average session may last up to 2 hours which includes the preparation time for the laser therapy that involves the application of numbing cream.
- Minimal Downtime – There may be marginal and manageable downtime. Adequate post-care support can minimise your recovery time.
- Effective Results – You can see a noticeable reduction in the appearance of your scars after undergoing 6-8 sessions. However, your doctor will recommend the exact number of sessions you need based on the type and the severity of your scars.
- Non-Surgical Procedure – The procedure is non-invasive and involves minimal discomfort. It causes no cuts or blood loss.
- No Side Effects – The use of the latest USFDA approved laser technology ensures it is a safe procedure and does not involve any risk of infection or burns.
- Convenient – It is the best option compared to other scar removal methods as it is super convenient.
- Precise – Experienced dermatologists customise the parameters of the laser treatment to treat your scars with precision without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.
- Versatile – It is a suitable procedure for all Indian skin types.
Now you know all about the procedure, benefits and cost of laser scar removal treatment. If you are looking for advanced aesthetic solutions to get rid of your scars, book an appointment at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic today!