Laser Hair Removal

In preparing for the laser hair procedure, you will be advised to avoid any type of tanning, exposure to sun or sunless tanners. It is recommended that sunscreen is worn at all times prior to the procedure. You should also avoid any waxing or depilatory creams, however, the area can be shaved even up to one or two days before the procedure. If you have had microdermabrasion on the skin area to be treated, it is best to wait at least seven to ten days before laser hair removal treatment. The technician may also prescribe an antiviral treatment or antibiotic to avoid any development of viral complications.

On the day of the procedure, no cosmetics or creams should be applied to the area. You will be asked to wear protective eyewear during the procedure, and a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to eliminate any discomfort. Most lasers also have cooling device to keep the patient comfortable. For the most part, laser hair removal treatments are painless. The laser feels like a small rubber band snapping at the skin. The laser emits heat into the skin to vaporize the hair follicle. Swelling and redness will occur at the skin level following the procedure. Often ice packs are used to reduce the swelling. You may also need an over-the-counter pain medication following the treatment to reduce any discomfort. If blistering occurs, the technician or doctor can prescribe an antibiotic cream or steroid to remedy the blistering. Again, like prior to the procedure, sun exposure to the treated area must be avoided. It is recommended that SPF 30 sunscreen is worn after the laser treatments. However, cosmetics and creams can be applied to the treated areas following the treatments.

Laser can remove 60 to 95% of the targeted hair

Possible Side Effects

Laser hair removal can have side effects for patients. Pain is a common side effect of laser hair removal, along with perifollicular edema, which is swelling around the hair area caused by fluid build-up. Erythema, or redness and swelling for a few days, is also a side effect of laser hair removal treatments. Blistering is also common. The skin may also lighten or darken around the treated area, but it is not permanent. This side effect may happen to those who have had a recent tan. Freckles, moles, and tattoos in the treated areas may also lighten after the procedures. After the procedure, patients can return to work or normal activities soon after the treatment.

The effects of laser hair removal vary from person to person. Again, it takes more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. The Mayo Clinic reports that after six months, laser procedures remove 60 to 95% of the targeted hair. If not removed, hair in the treated areas will grow back finer and lighter. Results vary from person to person, and by treatment center or procedure. A comprehensive pre-consultative visit is important to understanding the potential of the treatments and if your desired results can be achieved.

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