Are there any Laser Hair Removal risks?

What side effects should I be aware of before deciding on Laser Hair Removal?

Answers from doctors (3)


AURA Skin Care, Liposculpture, & Plastic Surgery

Published on Mar 29, 2010

There are risks with anything but in very experienced hands they are very low with laser hair
removal. Burns are possible, but to date I have not had one in over 2000 cases.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7226_14244493251.jpg
Answered by AURA Skin Care, Liposculpture, & Plastic Surgery

There are risks with anything but in very experienced hands they are very low with laser hair
removal. Burns are possible, but to date I have not had one in over 2000 cases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Rejuve

Published on Mar 26, 2010

Sure, with any procedure their is risk. The 3 main risks are:
1. Burns - too much energy can do this which can lead to scarring.
2. Hyperpigmentation - unwanted extra pigment as a result of too much energy.
3. Hypopigmentation - white spots in areas of normal pigment - often times this is irreversible.
It is important therefore to choose a location with:
1. Good, proven, effective laser device
2. Experienced technicians
3. Doctors who know how to handle these potential problems should they arise for these problems could happen to anybody(much less in experienced hands) but the experienced doctors will always know what to do
Make sure you ask:
1 What laser is being used, how old
2. Who is doing procedure
3. How many procedure has that person has done
4. Patient references

Answered by Rejuve (View Profile)

Sure, with any procedure their is risk. The 3 main risks are:
1. Burns - too much energy can do this which can lead to scarring.
2. Hyperpigmentation - unwanted extra pigment as a result of too much energy.
3. Hypopigmentation - white spots in areas of normal pigment - often times this is irreversible.
It is important therefore to choose a location with:
1. Good, proven, effective laser device
2. Experienced technicians
3. Doctors who know how to handle these potential problems should they arise for these problems could happen to anybody(much less in experienced hands) but the experienced doctors will always know what to do
Make sure you ask:
1 What laser is being used, how old
2. Who is doing procedure
3. How many procedure has that person has done
4. Patient references

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Mar 25, 2010

The primary risk in laser hair removal include blisters, burns and/or scarring. This can happen by using improper laser settings, using an improper laser for a particular skin type, excessive tanning and by taking contraindicated medications. Make sure that the medical history you fill out before the procedure addresses all of these issues.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7233_14244688661.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

The primary risk in laser hair removal include blisters, burns and/or scarring. This can happen by using improper laser settings, using an improper laser for a particular skin type, excessive tanning and by taking contraindicated medications. Make sure that the medical history you fill out before the procedure addresses all of these issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
How many sessions are typically needed for upper lip and chin hair removal?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
Will the dark spots go away? And does the hair never grow back once you get the treatment?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
Is laser hair removal safe and effective at this young age?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
Is this the best method for hair removal near the vagina?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
Is complete hair removal around the vagina safe?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
I have an autoimmune disease and all of a sudden it hurts when I get my laser hair removal done. Before I was diagnosed with the disease, the laser hair removal never used to hurt
See More
Laser Hair Removal -5 answers
I have thick coarse hair on my face.. under the chin and the sides of my face. Currently, I'm using a threading method to remove hair. My skin is olive and the hair is darker. Please advise. Can I get a permnant result and which laser is best for my skin.Thanks
See More
Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
My daughter is 14 years old and has been scheduled for laser hair removal on her upper lip, stomach, and bikini (possibly Brazilian). How effective is laser hair removal for a person her age? Would the treatment be permanent?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -3 answers
I have discoloration & scars caused by ingrown hairs. How will the laser affect those areas? Make it worse? Clear or lighten?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
Please advise if it is safe to breastfeed while undergoing Laser Hair Removal treatments?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
I have faint black hair on my face and a pale skin color. I've heard that you need to shave before a treatment. Is that true? I don't really fancy shaving as I'm worried my facial hair will come out prickly.
See More
Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
I have fair skin and dark course hair. I'm about to have laser hair removal-cutera coolglide. I was diagnosed w/ Behcets, but now the doctor says not sure. I have HLA-B27 and positive ANAs, I've had knee surgery, uveitis, 2 csection, tubal surgery & mole.
See More
Laser Hair Removal -3 answers
Does this help?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
I am having laser treatments now, but after I shave I have black dots (maybe called peppering?) because of hair follicles under the skin. Can laser remove those as well?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -1 answer
Is it safe to have laser hair removal performed with Factor V Leiden (one gene - heterozygous)?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
I would like to have my arms, legs, bikini area, underarms, butt, lower back and facial hair done. Can you do a full body Laser Hair Removal treatment in one setting?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -4 answers
I have heard that Laser Hair Removal may not be as effective on lighter color hair (e.g. red or blonde hair). Is this true? If so, what makes it less effective?
See More
Laser Hair Removal -2 answers
I am suffering from PCOD and already have few acne and red scars (inflammation) on my face. I am planning to go for laser hair reduction treatment using diode technology, but want to know what the side effects are before going in for treatment.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR