Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a powerful laser or ‘intense pulsed light’ (IPL) to remove unwanted hair.

This light source heats and destroys hair follicles in the skin, which disrupts hair growth. Common areas to treat are the face, legs, arms, underarms and bikini line.

It can be helpful for women with hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Generally, it’s most effective on women with pale skin and dark hair, and doesn’t work so well on women with dark skin.

The results of laser hair removal are not permanent. They usually last from weeks to months, and regular sessions may be needed to achieve and maintain the desired effect. There’s no guarantee it will clear all the hair.

Take time to find a reputable practitioner who is properly qualified and practises in a clean, safe and appropriate environment. Ask the practitioner what you should do if something were to go wrong.

You’ll need to shave the area of skin the day before your appointment.

On the day, you’ll wear specially designed goggles to protect your eyes during the procedure.

Local anesthetic isn’t necessary. The practitioner usually applies a cool gel or cooling air spray to the area of skin.

They then press a hand-held device to your skin and trigger the laser. This may feel like an elastic band snapping at your skin.

Each session may take between 15 minutes to over an hour.

The number of sessions needed depends on the area to be lasered and the system used.

You’ll need to shave the area of skin the day before your appointment.

On the day, you’ll wear specially designed goggles to protect your eyes during the procedure.

Local anesthetic isn’t necessary. The practitioner usually applies a cool gel or cooling air spray to the area of skin.

They then press a hand-held device to your skin and trigger the laser. This may feel like an elastic band snapping at your skin.

Each session may take between 15 minutes to over an hour.

The number of sessions needed depends on the area to be lasered and the system used.

• a crust or blister on your skin, which may take up to 10 days to heal
  lightening or darkening of the skin for several months afterwards
  scarring.
• Excessive swelling, which may last up to seven days
  bruising, which may last up to 15 days
  burns.
• A rare condition called livedo reticularis, whereskin becomes mottled.
• A skin reaction called erythema ab igne, caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to the laser or IPL

If you’re not happy with the results or are experiencing problems, take up the matter with your practitioner through the clinic where you were treated.

If there are any complications that require medical attention, it is best that you go back to the practitioner who treated you. If this is not possible, you can go to your GP or local accident and emergency (A&E) department.