IPL Laser Hair Removal - Are There Any Side Effects?

With all forms of treatment to the body there is always some risk of side effect. In this IPL or Home Laser treatment for the removal of unwanted hair is no exception. So what are they? Such side effects can be clearly defined and Temporary and Permanent. In general, if used in accordance with the manufacturers' instruction Permanent side effects are extremely unlikely but there is always the possibility.

Temporary Side Effects

Pain - Pain is always associated with hair removal from anywhere on the body. You can have varying levels of pain during and for a short time with IPL after the procedure. Often you have a burning sensation but this is unusually mild and quite tolerable and is only very short lived. There is a slight risk of of swelling around the treated area, particularly if the area is especially sensitive. However when you compare the pain to that of waxing its effect diminishes considerably. If you fail to adhere to the manufactures' instruction you may burn yourself so it is wise to read and follow the instructions carefully

Redness- You may experience some redness around the treated area, though this is probably the least serious side effect of laser hair removal. Although it may be a cosmetic problem for a short while if in clearly visible area such as your upper lip, the effect is certainly only short term and should not cause any undue problem. Some IPL machines should never be used on the face and if it is this area you want to treat, ensure that the manufacturer recommends its use on the face before purchase. Machines that can be used on the face include Rio Salon Laser X60.

Hyperpigmentation- This is a temporary darkening of the skin on the treated area. This condition is rare and when it does occur usually clears up pretty quickly. Most effects tend not to be too visible anyway except to the person it affects.

Permanent Side Effects

From Home IPL laser systems the chances of any permanent damage is very remote. But as always some people may be more susceptible than other so care must always be taken until you are used to your machine. Always follow the manufacturers' guidelines.

Skin discolouration- A permanent lightening of the skin in the treated area can occur. While treating dark hair it can lighten darker skin too. Skin discolouration may be permanent though it can very slowly recover in some cases. This is however very rare

Scarring - In extreme cases of incorrect use scarring might occur. Scarring is the result of severe burns and if the laser light applied is significantly more than the skin can cope with then burning will occur in the dermis leading to the skin healing by forming a scar. Most of the home use IPL machines do not have the kind of power or they have adequately built in safety devices to prevent this from happening usually with a time limited cut-out facility. Consequently scarring is exceptionally rare and only occurs with the industrial type machines only found in salons and then only if operated by inexperienced personnel

In summary therefore all indications and experiences would lead you to believe that Home Laser/IPL treatment is absolutely safe. Even if you do exceed the manufactures guidelines you are most unlikely to cause any lasting damage to yourself, though it is more likely that some brief temporary symptoms will result. The message is however quite clear, use all such equipment with care and follow the manufacture' guidelines and you will stay safe.

Find out more about the effects of home hair laser removal system and those who should not use it by reading our reviews of the main available system at laserhairremovalreviewed.com laserhairremovalreviewed.com.