The promise of long-lasting smoothness through laser hair removal is enticing, but it might raise some doubts in your mind. Laser hair removal safety is a chief concern for many of our clients, as it should be. 

Thanks to technological innovations, robust clinical guidelines, and an intense FDA approval process, getting laser hair removal at a medically accredited clinic or med spa is as safe as can be. 

Even so, knowing the potential side effects and risks will help you stay safe when getting laser hair removal. In this post, we’ll assuage your fears and explain everything you need to know for a safe and effective laser hair removal experience. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Skin? 

First, there’s a big question to answer: Is laser hair removal safe for the skin? After all, this treatment can sound a little concerning, since it essentially works by zapping the hair follicle with heat. Early lasers had low wavelengths, so they often damaged or irritated the skin. 

Modern-day lasers, on the other hand, have been meticulously developed, researched, and tested to ensure total and complete safety for the skin and the rest of the body.  

By adjusting the wavelength and intensity of the light or adding in cooling features, researchers were able to create gentler laser hair removal devices that are extremely safe and more effective than ever before. 

The laser hair removal machines used in clinics and med spas today are classified by the FDA as medical devices, so they have to pass a rigorous application process before they can be used in salons. Companies have to establish the safety and efficacy of their devices before they can gain approval, and practitioners have to undergo specialized training.   

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal on Face and Body

While it’s considered incredibly safe, laser hair removal still has some potential side effects you should know about. They include: 

  • Redness in the treatment area
  • Slight swelling also known as perifollicular edema 
  • Tenderness or itching 

These side effects are common, but they won’t impact everyone. They often resolve within hours of treatment or a few days at most. 

Risks of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is only getting safer from year to year, but since it’s an advanced clinical procedure, it still has some inherent risks. 

  • If treated with a laser technology or setting that isn’t appropriate for your skin type, you may experience burns that can lead to blistering or scarring. 
  • Recent sun exposure or self-tanner use can put you at a higher risk of skin damage.
  • May trigger cold sores for those who are already prone. 
  • Patients with deeper skin tones are at higher risk of hyper- or hypopigmentation, especially if treated with a low-wavelength laser.
  • There is a risk of damage to the eyes if one doesn’t wear protective goggles during treatment. 

Recent clinical guidelines and technological advances have been geared towards limiting these risks. That said, seeing an inexperienced provider, failing to review consent forms or documentation, and not following aftercare can all lead to adverse events. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Face?

The skin on our face can be quite delicate, so it makes sense to wonder if laser hair removal is safe for the face. The good news is that just as it’s proven safe and effective for the body, laser hair removal has also been thoroughly and rigorously tested on the face. 

Your provider will likely use a gentler setting than they would for the rest of your body. To avoid side effects of laser hair removal on the face, you may need to be more diligent about avoiding sun exposure. 

Laser Hair Removal Skin Safety Tips

These laser hair removal skin safety tips will help you avoid any risks or side effects: 

  • Ensure your provider is trained and certified, and that they use laser technology that’s appropriate for your skin tone. 
  • Review all of the pre-treatment forms to ensure you’re a safe candidate for laser. You can learn more about that on our customer care page. 
  • Let your provider know about your medical history, medications you’re taking, skin treatments, and any questions or concerns you have.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure before and after treatment, and make sure that your skin is at its base skin tone (this also means no sunless tanner). 
  • Avoid intense exercise and high temperatures in the 24-48 hours after treatment (including saunas, jacuzzis, and hot yoga).

How Safe Is Laser Hair Removal in the Long Term?

Laser hair removal isn’t associated with any long-term risks. The wavelengths of laser used for hair removal are regarded as not only safe but beneficial to the skin. As a type of non-ionizing radiation, there is no associated cancer risk. The side effects and adverse events usually show up immediately during or after treatment. 

With regular laser treatments, most patients experience fewer side effects. There are no known cases of adverse events occurring in the years after completing a series of treatments.

Safe Laser Hair Removal at SEV

At SEV, laser hair removal safety is non-negotiable. SEV is medically accredited, and our specialized nurses and laser technicians have the expertise needed to guarantee your well-being. We always conduct patch tests and calibrate settings to prioritize safety while helping you achieve smoother skin. 

All of our med spas use FDA-approved, dual-wavelength lasers so we can treat each patient with the safest type of laser for their skin tone. We’ll make sure you’re a safe candidate for laser hair removal, and set you up for success with detailed aftercare instructions. If you’d like to start your journey to smooth skin in safety and comfort, go ahead and book an appointment at SEV.