Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blisters, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, especially on darker skin. Clinical results have been obtained with the ruby laser in the normal mode for the removal of unwanted hair. Melanin in hair follicles is thought to target ruby laser pulses, while epidermal melanin is thought to be a competitive chromophore, responsible for potential side effects.
This study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in pigmentation and skin texture and the importance of variations in preoperative skin pigmentation for the development of side effects 12 weeks after normal ruby laser treatment. A total of 17 volunteers (skin types I-IV) received laser treatment in the hairy pubic region (n %3D 51 test areas). A shaved test area served as a control. Spectroscopic measurements of skin reflectance, three-dimensional surface contour analysis, and ultrasonography were used to assess postoperative changes in skin pigmentation and texture.
Blind clinical evaluations revealed postoperative hyperpigmentation (2% of test areas) and hypopigmentation (10%), while no changes in texture were observed. Pigmentary changes determined spectroscopically by reflectance depended on the degree of preoperative skin pigmentation, heavily pigmented skin types experienced subclinical hyperpigmentation, and dark-pigmented skin types that presented subclinical hypopigmentation. Three-dimensional surface profilometry documented similar surface contour parameters before and after the operation, indicating that the texture of the skin surface is preserved after exposure to the laser. The ultrasound revealed similar skin thicknesses in the control areas exposed to the laser and untreated.
It is clear that laser hair removal can be a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair when done correctly. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects that may occur as a result of this procedure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one such side effect that can occur when the laser targets melanin in the skin instead of just targeting the hair follicle. This can lead to changes in skin texture such as blisters, crusting, scarring or excessive hair growth around treated areas.
Additionally, people with tanned skin or certain skin tones may be more susceptible to this side effect due to their higher levels of melanin. To reduce your risk of experiencing any side effects from laser hair removal, it is important to choose a qualified and certified professional who has been trained in this procedure. It is also important to ensure that the laser settings are appropriate for your particular skin type and that you follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions provided by your provider. Additionally, if you have any concerns about potential side effects or if you experience any prolonged side effects after your treatment sessions, it is important to contact your provider immediately.
Overall, laser hair removal can be an effective way to remove unwanted hair with minimal risk of side effects when done correctly. By doing your research and choosing a qualified professional who has been trained in this procedure, you can ensure that you get the best results with minimal risk of experiencing any adverse reactions.
