Always consult with your doctor or physician to determine if laser hair removal is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor will mostly likely review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures. You should discuss risks, long-term benefits, and assess expectations.
Laser Hair Removal is considered to be an exceedingly safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure. As we utilize only the highest level of medical equipment and a professionally trained staff, we offer the most comprehensive treatments while insuring the lowest incident rates. Like any procedure, however, there are certain risks and uncertainties. We believe it is important that we make these freely known prior to your appointment so that you can ask any questions and so that we can address any concerns.
Mild to Moderate Discomfort
Mild to moderate discomfort may occur during treatment. While many areas of the body, such as the backside or legs, are usually treated with little discomfort, more sensitive areas may experience an increased feeling with the destruction of the hair follicles. Generally, any discomfort is described as a “pinching” feeling that lasts less than a second. Moreover, it’s almost always described as being a lot less painful than other methods of hair removal – especially waxing, using an epilator, or using creams. Moreover, our clients agree that the lasting results of laser hair removal are well worth any temporary discomfort. If you’re thinking about treating an area that’s more sensitive, we can apply a complimentary set of test applications so that you can better determine your preferences.
Erythema
Erythema, which presents itself as redness of the area treated, generally begins to lessen within a few minutes and is usually gone within a few hours or by the next day. Important to note, it is generally considered a desirable side effect because it evidences effective damage to the hair follicles.
Rare Side Effects
- Rarely, vesiclation and local brown crusting may occur. These are effectively treated with antibiotic/steroid creams and mild emollients. Please do not pick or scratch – allow it to fall off naturally. In very rare cases, you may have areas that develop superficial blistering and is typically harmless. You may contact us immediately so that we can provide proper assessment and care.
- Rarely, secondary infection may occur, but is effectively treated with antibiotics. To best avoid secondary infection, clean the area to receive laser hair removal prior to your arrival and wear clean clothes pre and post procedure.
- Burning may occur. Incident rates are very low, less than 1%. A burn may blister and be followed by pigmentation change that can be, but is not likely to be, permanent.
- Perifollicular edema presents itself as mild swelling, and while not very common, is also temporary in nature and is not necessarily undesirable. Will subside in 24 hours.
- Histamine (allergic) reactions may occur from mild, moderate to severe. Mild: Guests may apply aloe vera or hydrocortisone to the affected area. Moderate: You may take an antihistamine such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl or Allegra. Please speak with your doctor first before taking any medications. If you are experiencing severe reactions, you must notify us immediately by calling us at 832-460-4200 or email us with your concerns, including photos of the treated area at greatresults@clearstonespa.com
- Almost always temporary, hyper (darkening) or hypo (lightening) pigmentation may occur. Incident rates are low, and are usually less than 1%. It may last a few days to several months and is treated with sunblock or a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone.
- Approximately 2-10% of clients will experience accelerated hair growth, as the first treatment sends all hair follicles into an active state of growth. Counterintuitive at first, this is actually a desired result, as these individuals will usually only require two treatments in total to obtain desired hair removal results.
- Previous history of herpes simplex risks precipitation of active lesions. As laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure, please advise us of this condition so that we can collaboratively assess the benefits for a defined treatment area.
- Laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
