Unwanted hair can be a bane to your existence, especially facial hair on women. Men are not typically given to this procedure, even though that does occur. Just watch a few buds sprout up on a clearly visible mole, and it can be easier no matter what your gender to take care of business without thinking twice. Laser hair removal is one of the best procedures to meet this need. It is more often than not a permanent solution to those of you who suffer from such annoying and sometimes embarrassing predicaments. But before you say, "Sign me up," you should know that, like all medical procedures, this is not one without side effects.

Here are the five most common that you are likely to encounter with laser hair removal.

1. Long term damage to skin: The question that is always the elephant in the room for laser hair removal or any medical or cosmetic procedure: What are the long term risks? There are not many, but the one that there is may likely give you pause. It is possible that your laser hair removal procedure could cause permanent or long term damage to skin around the area of operation. This, along with scarring and discoloration are possible effects because the laser must do its work while also dealing with the delicacy of the epidermis and pigmentation.

2. Hyper-pigmentation: This and the remainder of these side effects for laser hair removal are relatively mild. With hyper-pigmentation, there is always a risk of darkening around the treated area when the procedure is first performed. It is an issue that usually works itself out in time. As long as the treatment was not done on the most visible area of your body, or during the summertime, you won't have to give it another thought.

3. Inflammation: Skin around the treated area can occasionally become inflamed and turn red. This can be painful, but as is the case with all inflammations, it is usually something that goes away barring infection. Should an infection occur, don't suffer with it. Seek help immediately!

4. Swelling: Few things cause more discomfort than swelling, especially where the hair follicles are concerned. Like inflammation and hyper-pigmentation, it is usually a problem that goes away in a short amount of time, but that time can be very agonizing depending on the size of the infected area. You may wish to seek medication for excessive pain.

5. Pain: If you don't do well with discomfort during the procedure, then you may ask your provider for a local anesthetic. Some pain is common without it, but it is usually nothing unbearable. If you want to save on your procedure, skip it; however, don't take on more you can bear. "Know thy self," says an old piece of wisdom. Trust that instinct, one way or the other, and you won't be sorry.

In the United States, a great deal of importance is placed on appearance. Laser hair removal for Kentucky residents and the world at large is definitely an option you should consider. Just make sure that before you do, you are aware of the risks, and you trust a reputable provider to handle your procedure.