Navigating Neurological Complications in Aesthetic Dermatology: Onset of Trigeminal Neuralgia Following Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction (LHR) is a commonly performed procedure in aesthetic dermatology, but its potential to trigger neurological complications remains underrecognized. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic neurologic pain disorder causing sudden, intense, electric shock-like facial pain along the trigeminal nerve, which can be caused by a blood vessel compressing on the nerve or due to multiple sclerosis. This case report describes a 28-year-old woman who developed classic symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia following her third session of LHR on her upper lip. A triple-wavelength diode laser with contact cooling was used, and this procedure was initially uneventful. Within 72 hours, the patient reported unilateral radiating pain in the right maxillary region, upper teeth, and behind the eye. Thermal or mechanical stimulation of the infraorbital nerve during LHR can activate nociceptive fibers, potentially leading to the onset of neuropathic pain. The main objective of this report is to describe a rare neurological side effect of a routine dermatological procedure. It emphasizes the need for preventive strategies like bubble gum insulation and improved cooling. It also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary management and regulatory oversight, predominantly in non-medical settings where safety procedures may be inadequate. This case provides insight into raising awareness among clinicians about the potential for routine cosmetic laser procedures to cause neural injury, emphasizing the importance of anatomical precision, vigilance, and early recognition of neuropathic complications.