If you are new to the world of laser hair removal you may have a number of questions about how to prepare for the procedure. Before going to your first session, we’ve got a number of tips to prepare you in advance of your appointment.
Preparing For Your Treatment
Before arriving for your appointment, it is very important that before you arrive you have freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin. Refrain from smothering your skin with lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. It is also important for you to shave the treatment area completely before arriving to the treatment center.
While you are asked to shave, there are hair removal methods you should not use, these include waxing, tweezing, epilating or using chemical depilatories of any kind. In fact, try not to use any of these methods at all even between laser treatments once you begin your treatments.
You might be asking why you need to shave in advance of your appointment. The reason for this is because the laser targets the root of the hair and hair must be present for the treatment to be effective.
Aside from shaving, clients are usually also asked to avoid any sun exposure or UV tanning bed exposure to the treatment area for two weeks prior to the treatment. To avoid any UV to the specified area, consider using a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis.
Clients are also typically advised not to use any topical products in the treatment area that cause photosensitivity such as hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide. Instead, what can be used is a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
Finally, if you are using any medications such as antibiotics, be sure to contact the treatment facility in advance of your appointment to inquire about any questions you might have.
What Will Happen During Your Appointment?
Once you have consulted with the hair removal practitioner and they determine whether you are a good candidate for the method, they will usually proceed with treatment. Your laser technician might ask you a few pertinent questions about your recent health history to ensure that will not be any foreseeable difficulties with the treatment.
When discussing which hair you want removed, a technicians might also provide you with a new white eyeliner pencil to draw which areas should be targeted. The treatment area will then be cleansed, prepared for treatment, and the practitioner will begin removing the hair.
While receiving the treatment, you will likely be required to wear protective eyewear to protect you from the flash of light, and all other areas of the body that are not being treated will be covered with clothing.
Should I Do Anything After My Treatment?
In the immediate aftermath of the treatment it is normal to experience redness and swelling in the treatment area. If you are experience pain similar to a razor burn or sunburn you might consider purchasing over-the-counter hydrocortisone or aloe vera to help with the pain and alleviate redness and irritation.
Over the course of two weeks you will notice that the hair in the treated area will slowly shed. The hair might also be patchy though it will dissipate towards the completion of your laser hair removal treatment series.
If you do not take proper care in the post-treatment period this might increase the chance of scarring, pigmentation changes and skin texture changes. Improper care includes exposing the skin to excessive sun or heat as in the case of immersing the skin in hot tubs or saunas, using UV tanning beds, and working out for 24 hours after laser hair removal treatment.
There are a number of important steps to follow when preparing for a laser hair removal procedure. These are important steps to take in order to ensure the best experience possible.
