Posted December 22, 2022 in Laser Hair Removal
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Laser hair removal has become more popular in recent years, and for a good reason. This treatment offers permanent or near-permanent hair reduction across many areas of the body.
This means that you can ditch the razor and throw away those waxing appointment reminder cards. These practices are only short-term solutions and often painful to begin with.
Laser hair removal works differently, targeting the hair follicle itself. Our elōs Plus® device combines optical (laser and light) and radio frequency (RF) energies to penetrate deep into the hair follicle without requiring as much energy as other laser treatments.
While this technology is unmatched in its longevity, there are a few things you should know before scheduling a session to remove unwanted hair.
1. Expect Warmth and Minor Pain
Laser hair removal doesn’t really hurt; however, there may be minor discomfort during the procedure. Most patients compare this tingling sensation to the feeling of a rubber band snapped against the skin — while it may not be the most pleasant experience in the world, it is certainly easy to withstand.
2. You May Need Multiple Treatments
While laser hair removal is highly effective, don’t expect perfect results after one session.
Most patients need several sessions spread out over several weeks or months to achieve optimal results. It may also be recommended to schedule annual or bi-annual follow-up sessions to maintain your smooth, hair-free skin.
3. Shave the Target Area 24 Hours Before Treatment
Be sure to shave the areas you want to be treated 24 hours before the laser procedure. This ensures that the laser targets your hair follicles without burning any hair above the skin.
Shaving the targeted area is important as a safety measure. Hairs that rise above the skin will be burned away by the laser. If hairs grow above the follicle, they may conduct heat into the surrounding skin, causing burns. To ensure your skin remains unburnt, be sure to be thorough in your pre-treatment shave.
While shaving is recommended before your procedure, waxing and plucking are not. Please consult with your provider to see how long you should wait after a waxing appointment before considering laser hair removal.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight on the Treated Area
Try to avoid direct sunlight on the treatment area before and after the session.
A tan can complicate laser hair removal, as tanned skin may react less favorably to laser energy. Consult with your laser technician before your treatment to determine how long you should avoid sunlight.
After your laser session, avoid direct sunlight for at least a week, ideally two. Laser treatments cause the skin to become overly sensitive to sunlight. Sunlight exposure can cause sunburns, skin discoloration, and further skin irritation during the first couple of weeks.
Keeping your skin out of direct sunlight allows the skin to heal faster and with less risk of side effects.
5. Avoid Topical Products for Two Days Before the Procedure
Avoid makeup, waxing, tweezing, suntan lotion, or other topical products on the treatment area for at least two days prior. These products and procedures can alter the way the skin reacts to laser hair reduction, causing complications.
6. Expect Minor Skin Irritation for Three to Five Days
Patients should expect minor skin irritation for three to five days afterward. Symptoms may vary from minor sunburn-like effects through tingling and minor swelling. These symptoms are usually temporary and are easily managed in most cases. Most patients consider these minor symptoms well worth permanently reducing hair growth.
Do You Want to Learn More About Laser Hair Removal?
If you want to learn more about laser hair removal, please call Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center at (954) 659-7760 or contact us online. We can help you set up a consultation with our expert medspa staff and answer any questions you have.
