In some cases, during laser hair removal, tissue injuries can occur. Patients with dark skin tones are more susceptible to damage due to the presence of a large amount of melanin, which absorbs laser energy and generates heat. Blisters, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture are rare side effects that may occur. Greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas is also possible, particularly on darker skin.
When it comes to the breast area, laser hair removal is safe and does not damage breast tissue or surrounding areas. However, it can cause temporary side effects such as skin irritation and changes in pigmentation. Blisters, scabs, scars, or other changes in skin texture are also possible but rare. Eye tissues are particularly susceptible to damage from exposure to laser emission.
Thermal, mechanical, and photochemical damage to eye structures caused by lasers includes corneal burns, uveitis, cataract formation, and retinal burns. The most common symptoms of patients are blurred vision, photophobia, pain, and conjunctival hyperemia. In some cases, applying lasers at various wavelengths to structures such as the retina and uveal tissues is the current method used to treat many eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for removing unwanted hair from various parts of the body. Warning signs should be used outside the laser room to prevent personnel without eye protection from entering the room and risking eye injury.
Window covers should also be used to prevent laser energy from escaping from the room. Light is absorbed by dark objects but reflected by light objects and water. Laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the hair or skin much faster and more intensely than just skin without dark adult hair or melanin. As this technology continued to be researched, laser hair removal became more effective and efficient; therefore it is now a common method for removing hair for long periods of time. Some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments such as itching, pink skin, redness and swelling around the treatment area or swelling of the follicles (follicular edema).
Lasers pose a risk of eye injury to everyone in the room both for patients and for health professionals. Overall, laser hair removal is a safe procedure when done correctly by a trained professional. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.
