4. What side effects can laser hair removal have?

Laser hair removal can have undesirable side effects. Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red. Some people describe it as mild sunburn, and this reaction usually lasts for a day or two. Because the laser does not damage the skin, no bandages are necessary. If necessary, a topical cream may be applied to the treated areas.

Although these side effects are temporary, in extreme cases pigmentation change in the skin of the treated areas can last a few months.

Candidates with fair, untanned skin almost never experience pigmentation change as a result of treatment.

Also rare are blisters and burns, although they occasionally occur following laser hair removal treatments on people with darker skin, since dark skin absorbs the laser more rapidly.

Go to FAQ 5 ("Does it hurt?")