laser hair removal side effects question

lovleylady300 · 08-03-2004, 02:57 PM

I had my first full treatment of my upper lip, chin and cheeks yesterday. Has anyone gotton little red bumps where they lasered?? Also has anyone experinced swelling. It looks like someone punched me in the chin. My chin is swollen and if I touch any area that was treated I get the look of when you pop a zit--the skin raises and turns red. Is this normal??

I asked the tech and she decided to turn down the delay time in between light pulses (from my test area) but I still have the swelling and redness. For my test site(she did the chin and upper lip) this went away in about a week.

Any suggestions for managing this?? I am applying ice packs to my chin and just keeping the other areas clean. Any other suggestions to get rid of the reddish bumps???

Thanks for you help in advance!!
Diane

thinkthin98 · 08-03-2004, 04:38 PM

I did not have any side effects, I almost suspect they did nothing to me!

Maybe in addition to the ice, some advil for pain and swelling??

kalista · 08-03-2004, 07:20 PM

I didn't get the bumps but my skin felt a bit swollen or puffy like.

lovleylady300 · 08-04-2004, 05:34 PM

Thanks for your replies!!!!
Anyone else get this and what helped you lessen the look of the red bumps (it is just so very unattractive).

I don't know which is worse the bumps or being a hairy ape!!!!
Thanks for your help!!

Diane

workerbee · 08-06-2004, 10:48 PM

After my treatments (2 so far) I use a hydrocortisone cream. The one suggested by the laser center has this info on the tube "hydrocortisone plus with 12 moisturizers and aloe enriched with vitamins A, D, and E". Also I take Aleve about a half hour before my treatments. Seems to be working, so for I've had very little redness. Good luck!

sasquatch'stwin · 08-07-2004, 12:44 AM

I'm going to have my first treatment on Monday. I'll look for my paperwork for the details, but they warned that there could be "blisters" and to definitely avoid rubbing or scrubbing/washing the blisters since it could cause scarring. They gave me a numbing cream to put on about 30 minutes before the treatment, and that's all I remember for now. Will get back with you if there is other info on bumps and blisters.

Also, I wonder if there might be another type of laser that would be better for you. It's confusing, but there are so many types out there now and maybe you might get less irritation from another type (???).

sasquatch'stwin · 08-07-2004, 02:21 PM

Found the info... warns about swelling, blisters, and possibility that crust will develop during healing phase. Don't shave if any of the above are present. Contact doctor if there are signs of infection (pus, fever, tenderness). Apply ice for swelling. Avoid swimming or strenuous exercise for 2-3 days following treatment.
No sun exposure 2 weeks before or after treatment.

Sounds like you are already doing a lot of what they suggest.

BTW, they will use an "Aurora" laser on me - supposedly the latest/best for all skin types.

I really hate this disease. I know I shouldn't whine - it could be cancer or something there is no cure or help for - but sometimes I just get so sick of how complex this all is, and how it just constantly attacks our bodies and self-esteem. I heard a thing on the radio today about how Viagra use among 18-50 year old men is skyrocketing and how it's being used for "recreational" purposes, and it just pissed me off royally that the insurance companies will cover that, but won't do a damn thing for us.
Maybe that's irrational, but if doctors and the medical industry were in our shoes, I guarantee that this web site wouldn't be needed! They'd have all the answers instead of us having to teach them!

WHOO! That felt good!!!

Sorry about the soapbox! Hope this helped and wish me luck on Monday!!!