9 Things You Should Know Before Having Laser Hair Removal

It’s a big decision to make to have laser hair removal. If you are considering having it done, it’s best to be as informed as possible. We’ve compiled a list of things you need to know before having laser hair removal.

Read on for what you need to know about laser hair removal if you plan for it.

1. Laser Hair Removal Is A Way Of Permanently Remove Unwanted Hair

Remove-unwanted-hairLasers work by generating heat. The hair and its root (follicle) absorb this heat and are destroyed.

Is NOT Pain-Free

Laser hair removal is not pain-free but the pain is bearable. It feels a bit like having a tiny elastic band twang against your skin.

So Quick That It’s Not Really Painful

But it’s so quick that it’s not really painful. After having laser hair removal, your skin might feel warm, itchy or red. These effects should disappear without a couple of hours.

2. Choose Your Laser Operator Carefully

It is advisable to pick a board-certified dermatologist who has experience in working with lasers. Someone who is unqualified or inexperienced could burn your skin.

This might result in dark marks forming, as well as blistering and scarring.

3. Your Doctor Should Ask You About Your Medical History

Medical-History

Before undergoing laser hair removal, your doctor should ask you about your medical history.

Tell Him Or Her About Any Allergies You Have And Any Skin Conditions

Very importantly, you should tell him or her about any allergies you have and any skin conditions you might have suffered from.

If You Have Any Questions Ask Your Doctor

If you have any questions before they begin, ask your doctor. She or he will be able to explain what you should expect during the treatment and afterward. Your doctor will give you eye protection to wear during the procedure.

4. On The Day Of Your Appointment, Skip Your Usual Creams, Lotions, Sunscreen, and Make-Up

Make-Up

These products could react with the laser, and might even cause discoloration. Before having the treatment, your skin should be completely clean with nothing on it. If you usually use a cream that contains retinol, avoid it for one month before your treatment.

Shave The Area Two Days Before Your Appointment.

This will ensure that there is a small amount of hair left in the follicle for the laser to find. Longer hair that sticks out above the surface of the skin wastes laser.

DO NOT Tweeze, Wax or Have Hair Threading For Around Three Weeks Before Your Treatment.

This will result in the laser hair removal treatment being pointless. Stay out of direct sunlight for three weeks before and after your treatment. Skip the sunbed, and do not have the treatment done if you are a lot tanner than you usually area.

5. What Medications You Should Avoid Before Or After Your Appointment

Medications

Check with your doctor about what medications you should avoid before or after your appointment. Some drugs are sensitive to light. This includes medications such as Accutane, a drug prescribed for acne.

Your Doctor Should Do A Test Patch

Before your first treatment, your doctor should do a test patch. This is to see how your skin reacts to laser treatment. Unfortunately, not all skin types can tolerate laser work. If the skin reacts badly, it can result in pigmentation and scarring.

6. Each Treatment Can Take From 20 Minutes To An Hour

Treatment-time

The time it takes depends on the size of the area to be treated. If you are having treatment on the underarms or at the bikini line, your appointment is likely to be fairly quick. Areas like the back or the legs are much larger and take longer to treat.

You will definitely need more than one treatment.

Laser Hair Removal Is Actually Not Permanent Hair Removal

It is permanent hair reduction. Most people need at least four treatments, four weeks apart. Some people need more treatments, depending on how the body reacts.

For best results, it is important to treat the follicles at all stages of hair growth. This is why you will need more than one treatment. You certainly won’t be perfectly smooth after just one treatment.

Results Show After Just One Session

But the good news is that although you might have to have several treatments, results show after just one session. The hair becomes finer and grows more slowly.

7. Do Not Exercise For At Least 48 Hours After A Treatment

While you move, your clothes might rub against the treated skin and cause friction.

Causes Redness and Swelling

This might irritate the area, causing redness and swelling. If this happens, call your dermatologist. Avoid using very hot water and saunas or steam baths after a treatment.

8. You Might Develop Some Swelling Or Blistering After A Treatment

Because laser hair removal uses heat, you might develop some swelling or blistering after a treatment.

You Need To Treat Your Skin Gently

These should be harmless, but you need to treat your skin gently. Avoid exfoliators for a few days after a treatment. Also, do not scrub or rub the area. To do so might cause scarring.

9. And Finally, The Question Is: Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?

Well, many people say it is. It doesn’t remove every single unwanted hair, but most of them. And the best part is no more stubble!

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