If you dream of eliminating unwanted hair once and for all, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a laser treatment that targets a heat-based light to “fry” the follicles of unwanted hair just about anywhere on the body. When performed by a licensed professional, laser hair removal is a gentle, safe, and effective way to remove unwanted hair. In fact, it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Here is how to prepare yourself for a laser hair removal treatment.
Preparing for Your Laser Treatment
Consult with a couple of different service providers. They can evaluate your unwanted hair issues and estimate how many treatments you may need to achieve the results you want. It can take between six to eight treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. That means if you want smooth legs for the summer, you will want to begin treatments in the winter.
During the consultation, the technicians will ask you questions about your medical history and any issues you may have with your skin, especially in the area you want to have treated. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the process. Be sure to follow their instructions about preparing for it.
Avoid Tanning and Self-Tanners
You will want to start treatments during a time when you will not be heavily exposed to the sun. Tanning increases the melanin in your skin, and the treatment will not be effective on sunburns or tanned skin. Ultraviolet light can make your skin hypersensitive to the laser, thereby causing more discomfort during the laser treatment. It can even damage your skin. This also means you cannot use tanning beds, spray tans, or any other tanning process for at least six weeks before your treatment begins. Your goal is to have natural melanin levels when you begin treatment. That is another reason why most patients begin their treatment in the winter and have it all completed by summer.
Refrain from Waxing or Plucking for at Least One Month Prior
Do not wax, tweeze, sugar, or pluck hairs for at least one month before your procedure. The lasers work by detecting and targeting the pigment in hair follicles. For the laser to work properly, it needs to use the hair shaft as a conduit to transfer laser energy down into the hair follicle and “fry” it. If you pull it out before the procedure, you deprive the laser energy of the only way it can travel into the follicle. The laser will not be able to destroy it. Thus, if you remove the follicles by waxing or plucking, the laser treatment will not be effective.
Also, do not use cream depilatories. The chemicals in those products can irritate the skin and cause it to become hypersensitive to the laser. This will make the laser hair removal procedure more uncomfortable for you.
Shaved skin will yield the best results because the razor does not remove the hair shaft and follicle.
Follow Your Technician’s Instructions Regarding the Need to Avoid Medications and Blood Thinning Medications
Although laser hair removal is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, it is a medical procedure. Some medications can interfere with laser hair removal. Other medications can make your skin more sensitive to the laser light. This is true for topical medications, liquid medications, and pills. It is important that you follow your technician’s instructions on this point, or you may need to reschedule your treatment.
Shave the Treatment Area One Day before Your Appointment
One day before your appointment, shave the area to be treated. That way, the laser will not target the hair above your skin, which has the potential to cause a burn. A clean shave the day before your treatment allows the lasers to readily target your hair follicles and not hairs that have already grown out. This also avoids the lasers burning off your hair. Your technician may ask you to leave a small patch unshaved to allow better assessment of the result following each treatment session.
Shower Just Before Your Appointment
Before you leave home for your treatment, it is a good idea to take a shower and clean the area to be treated. After you dry off, do not apply any skin care products, including deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, perfume, powder, moisturizer, allergy cream, and so forth. The area to be treated must be clean, dry, and free of all skincare products.
Speak to the Laser Hair Removal Specialists at Elume Med Spa
Before you begin your laser hair removal treatment, be sure to consult with the licensed and certified laser hair removal experts at Elume Med Spa for more information. They will give you a thorough explanation about what to expect. They will also review pricing, and then they will schedule an appointment.
Ready to Elum-Inate Your Skin?
At Elume Med Spa, we are passionate about helping our customers look and feel their best. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality skincare products that are designed to deliver real results. From cleansers to serums, our online store has everything you need to create an at-home skincare routine that will leave you feeling confident and radiant. Plus, our expert team has carefully selected each and every product to ensure that you are getting the best possible care. Shop now and discover the benefits of our top-rated products for yourself.
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