Can laser treatment cause skin discolouration? A very common question patients ask before laser hair removal, is whether laser treatment can cause them discolouration? Are you feeling worried about an adverse reaction? And not to mention permanent damage to your skin? Are you apprehensive about trying laser hair removal because of the risk of discolouration? You’re totally right to question these aspects.
Laser hair removal is a medical grade treatment. So you should take it seriously. Without a doubt it has become one of the most popular and effective methods to remove unwanted facial and body hair. While it’s suitable for all skin types, it doesn’t mean laser is totally risk free.
How does laser work?
Laser works by emitting heat, that is picked up by the pigment in your hair and transported to its root. Which’s what the heat targets and destroys preventing future hair growth
Can laser treatment cause discolouration?
The pigment in your skin can increase following sun exposure. In this case laser hair removal may lead to a higher absorption of energy in the higher layers of your skin. Instead of being absorbed by the hair follicle in the deeper dermis.
This excess energy in the higher dermis could result in blistering and change in your skin’s pigment.
But discolouration can occur after the treatment too. If you expose your skin too soon to sun light the inflamed skin will absorb the ultraviolet lights leaving you with hyperpigmentation.
How to avoid discolouration from laser treatments?
To minimise the chance of getting a reaction and discolouration from laser hair removal, serious medical protocols should be in place. And followed by your practitioner at all times. But you also have a part in keeping your skin protected from damage by reporting certain changing elements. Over the past 10 years we’ve seen 100s of patients who’ve been treated with the wrong laser leaving their skin damaged with hyperpigmentation for months.
Before you commit to a laser treatment make sure you find out the following first:
- First research the most suitable laser for your skin type. And then insist on treatment with the right laser. Medical grade lasers are designed with direct wavelengths that specifically target the melanin in the hair. As a result the treatment will be more specific and effective. At Skin Perfection we are using one of the most popular lasers from the Medical Aesthetic Industry which is the Cynosure Elite. This specific laser combines two optimal wavelengths in one system. The 755nm –Alexandrite laser and the 1064nm –Nd Yag laser. These two wave lenghts allow our highly experienced practitioners to adjust the laser specifically to your skin type.
- Always enquire about treatment protocols. And never go ahead with treatment without a skin test. Many of my patients, who came to me from another Clinic, have encountered serious skin damage. And in most of these cases they reported the lack of a skin test before their treatment. The purpose of the skin test is to confirm that your skin is suitable for the laser. If patch test isn’t part of your treatment it should be a very big red flag. And a clear indicator that protocols aren’t in place or aren’t being followed.
- Choose an establishment regulated by a professional body. Special treatment license by the local council certifies the establishment to carry out specific skin and laser treatments in a safe and controlled environment. To be certified the Company has to meet a number of safety regulations.
BUT there are a few things you need to make sure you communicate to your practitioner before the treatment!
- Sun exposure – You must report sun exposure ( including sun beds, and tanning products) to your practitioner before your treatment. This will give them a chance to assess your skin and determine whether a repeat skin test will be needed. Sun exposure protocols are explained during your initial consultation, however you’ll be encouraged to stay out of the sun for the duration of your treatment course.
- Medication – Certain medications ( antibiotics, antidepressants and prescription drugs) can cause photo sensitivity. You must inform your practitioner if you’re taking any new medication or there’s been a change in your medical status.
To discuss your suitability for laser and to learn more; why not contact my Expert team who’ll be able to give you further guidance?
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your hair removal journey at Skin Perfection London, we request that you attend a no obligations consultation and skin test. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to learn more about the process. How does laser hair removal work? Why is it effective? How many treatments you need? What’s the best laser for your skin type? How to prepare your skin for the treatment? And about the contraindications to the treatment. Finally to confirm suitability we’ll carry out a quick patch test.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at SP. Our highly trained and skilled aesthetic practitioners have many years of experience, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands. And, you can be sure, you’ll always have a stress-free relaxing experience.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
