Side Effects of Cosmetic Laser Treatments

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With cosmetic laser treatments becoming ever more popular, it is important to understand the kinds of risks we are taking when we have tem done. Two of the most common cosmetic laser treatments are tattoo removal and laser hair removal. These both have similar side effects, though differing in severity and likelihood.

Tattoo Removal

The lasers used in tattoo removal have to be fairly powerful, and especially so if you want bright colours such as greens and yellows removed. This is because the laser needs to be strong enough to break down colours across the spectrum.

Some common side effects of tattoo removal include pain during the process (this should be equivalent to the pain of having the tattoo done), redness, swelling, tingling, pain and numbness. These should all be temporary and can be expected to last for about three days after the procedure.

Rarer side effects can include serious burns, blistering, bruising, scabbing, infections and scarring. You may also find that your skin changes colour, which can be either temporary or permanent.

Laser Hair Removal

Side effects with laser hair removal tend to be much less severe than with tattoo removal, since the lasers are not so powerful. You may feel some pain during the process, but this should be no worse than waxing. You may also experience itching, redness, swelling, tingling and numbness.

Again, the rarer side effects can include burns, but these are unlikely to be serious, as well as blisters and scabs. As with tattoo removal there is a risk of your skin pigmentation being altered either permanently or temporarily.

Popular Myths

Contrary to what many people believe, laser treatments are not linked to cancer or infertility. In both the examples above the laser only works skin deep, so could not cause infertility, and it is also impossible for the lasers to cause cancer.