Apart from the armpits, the bikini area is the most difficult area to treat when it comes to removing unwanted hair. No matter how difficult it is to reach the curves between the thighs and the vaginal area, removing hair in the bikini area is essential to look neat and well-groomed.
In addition to looks , bikini hair removal also helps keep the sensitive areas hygienic and sweat-free during summer. Among the various methods of hair removal, laser hair removal draws attention as it helps free the hard-to-reach areas from the burden of shaving or waxing.
But the bikini area is also sensitive. Therefore, questions arise such as Is hair removal in the bikini area safe or dangerous, and what are the risks of laser hair removal in the bikini area. To help you in this regard, here is an explanation of the 10 not so common but possible side effects of laser hair removal.
So let’s take a look at what to expect from laser hair removal in the bikini area.
Laser hair removal in the bikini area
In laser hair removal salons, the doctor first prepares the skin by applying an anesthetic and pain-relieving gel to the sensitive areas. Then you have to sit in the right position so that the hidden areas can be exposed. After that, the laser device is used to perform the treatment.
These laser flashes find their way to the hair follicles by being absorbed by the hair's pigment. At the hair roots, the rays are converted into heat energy, which destroys the hair follicles. As a result, they are no longer able to produce new hair cells and the bikini line becomes smooth and clear.
The bikini line also includes the area between the inner thighs and the vagina. Laser hair removal in this area can remove just a strip of hair, or it can also remove the hair on the sides of the labia and the hair in the anal area. So talk to your doctor about the extent of laser hair removal in the bikini line that you want.
10 side effects of laser hair removal in the bikini area
One thing to know before diving into the details of laser side effects is that the side effects do not harm everyone. Rather, they are limited to a few women or some areas with sensitive skin. However, there is a chance that one of these side effects will occur if you do not follow the laser protocol properly.
1. Temporary and mild effects on the skin
The bikini line is a sensitive area to treat with laser. During laser hair removal, most women experience mild, moderate or severe pain. The type of pain also varies from burning to tingling. The pain subsides once the session is over.
After the pain, the skin becomes red, itchy or irritated. This condition is aggravated by sunlight and disappears when the skin is given a rest or a soothing gel is applied.
2. Changes in skin pigmentation
The laser beams are absorbed by the pigments without making any distinction between the pigments of the hair or the skin. Normally the hair is darker, so the laser only targets the hair cells. However, some of the beams can be absorbed in the melanocytes of the skin.
These rays alter melanin production, increasing it in people with light skin and decreasing it in people with dark skin, creating uneven areas of hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
This causes women to feel uncomfortable at the beach because the bikini line is visible from the swimsuit, but it subsides after a few weeks or months when new melanocytes begin to regulate melanin production.
3. Blistering, crusting and scarring
Unlike full body care, most of us don't apply moisturizer to the bikini line and vagina, right? Well, the laser is known to burn water, sebum and also moisture in the skin. This causes the skin in the intimate area to dry out. The dryness combined with the heat leads to the formation of scales or blisters.
As the blisters heal, scabs or scars form. These are caused by repeated touching or scratching of the blisters. Therefore, one should consult a doctor for treatment and avoid any friction in these areas.
4. Skin burns
Mild to moderate burns from laser hair removal only cause blisters. However, if the intensity of the heat from laser hair removal is not well controlled, it can cause severe burns in the bikini area.
These burns require intensive medical treatment with fluids, pain medications, and antibiotics, and may take a month or more to heal completely. For more information about treatment, see Preventing and Treating Laser Burns.
5. Changes in skin texture
Although most of the side effects of laser hair removal, even the serious ones, are treatable, some of them can cause long-lasting changes in the skin's texture. This happens when optimal treatment is not received, when blisters, crusts, dehydration or laser burns form.
6. Risk of infections
Since the bikini area is closely connected to the vagina, it is important to go to a salon that offers quality services in a hygienic environment. Cheap offers can therefore make you vulnerable to infections, especially herpes simplex. This also leads to the formation of cold sores.
7. Negative effects on the vagina
Bikini laser hair removal , like Brazilian hair removal, treats the entire vagina, but only near the vagina and on the labia if desired. You can find out more about the differences between the two procedures under Bikini Hair Removal and Brazilian Hair Removal.
Laser hair removal can cause vaginal dryness, friction, inflammation, painful intercourse and, in rare cases, even vulvovaginal atrophy.
8. Difficult for people with hormonal disorders
People with PCOS, hirsutism, or other hormonal disorders that cause excessive hair growth may be disappointed with laser hair removal in the bikini area. This is because they require a large number of sessions and hair can grow back within a few months.
In addition, long-term laser sessions leave the skin vulnerable to other risks of laser hair removal in the bikini area.
9. Photosensitivity
Although the bikini line is usually hidden by clothing, it is one of the areas most exposed to the sun during pool parties and beach trips. Additionally, laser hair removal in the bikini line sensitizes the skin to light and radiation, including UV rays and bright indoor light.
You can also read the details about the truth about sun exposure and sun radiation.
10. Inflammation of the skin
Finally, the laser can cause swelling and inflammation of the skin immediately after treatment, which may take a few days to subside. In these cases, contact with nearby areas or clothing can worsen the inflammation.
FAQ
1. Is laser hair removal for the bikini area dangerous?
No, laser hair removal is not at all dangerous for the bikini area, just like any other part of the body. It is an FDA-approved procedure for permanent hair removal. Moreover, if you get the treatment at a good clinic, proper measures are taken to protect the skin from damage.
However, there are certain cases, such as pregnancy, where the safety of the laser has not yet been proven. In these cases, laser treatment, especially in the bikini area, which is close to the uterus, can be dangerous for the growing baby. For this reason, it is best to postpone treatment until birth.
2. What are the risks of laser hair removal in the bikini area?
The risks of laser hair removal in the bikini area include excessive absorption of the laser beams by dark or tanned skin, aggravation of allergies in sensitive skin, skin burns in sun-exposed skin, and infections if no disinfection measures are taken.
In addition, there is a risk of redness, irritation or blisters, scars and crusts forming after laser treatment if the skin is not protected from the sun and well moisturized.
3. Is laser hair removal in the bikini area safe?
Yes, laser hair removal in the bikini area is a safe procedure. It does have some side effects that can be avoided and also treated within a few days. Most of these side effects are not permanent, even if they worry you.
However, make sure you do your research on the clinic and the laser you will be treated with so that the procedure does not cause any damage to your sensitive area.
4. How can side effects of laser hair removal in the bikini area be avoided?
There are some rules for laser hair removal that should be followed before and after the treatment to avoid the side effects of laser hair removal in the bikini area. These include staying away from sun rays, artificial tanning products, chemical-containing cosmetics, active skin care products, hot showers and waxing,
You can also learn more about these safety measures by reading what to do and what not to do after laser hair removal.
5. What other method can be used for permanent hair removal in the bikini area?
If you want to avoid laser hair removal in the bikini area for any reason, such as high price, invasion of privacy, lack of time, or more. Get a laser at home with the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL hair removal device . It allows you to treat your bikini area within 2 minutes in comfort mode, which is gentle on the skin.
It also prevents the side effects of a professional laser such as burning pain during treatment, redness, inflammation, photosensitivity, etc. If you want some more recommendations for your sensitive skin, here are the 7 best laser hair removal devices at home for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Although laser hair removal is a safe, FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal on the body, including the bikini area, it is not suitable for everyone because there is a risk of side effects. We have talked about these risks in detail in this article.
We want you to be aware that these side effects are temporary and can be easily treated at home or by a doctor.
