How Should I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Following these recommendations will help you get the most benefit from your laser hair removal sessions:
Avoid Bleaching
Bleach lightens the hair, including the root. Since the laser targets pigments, it cannot treat bleached hairs, so these will escape treatment. Avoid bleaching the treatment area for at least four weeks before each session.
No Waxing or Plucking
Waxing and similar methods pull the hair out from the root. No root means no pigment for the laser to treat. Currently in their growth phase, these follicles should have the hair root left alone for at least four weeks so the laser can treat them.
Skip Tanning
No tanning, even with sunless tanners, for several weeks before your session. Laser hair removal works best with a strong contrast between the pigment of the hair root and the skin, so tanning may make treatment less effective, and may lead to a burn.
Shave Before Treatment
While you can’t wax or epilate, you can shave your hair, and you should shave it 24 hours before your treatment. Hair that’s too long can become too hot during treatment, leading to a thermal injury on the surface of the skin, so keeping hair shaved leaves only the root inside the follicle and prevents overheating.
Post-Treatment Care
Immediate Aftercare
After your laser hair removal session, proper post-treatment care is essential to minimize discomfort and ensure the best results. Immediately after the treatment, you may experience redness and swelling in the treated area.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce these symptoms. Over-the-counter creams, such as hydrocortisone or aloe vera, can also soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Avoiding Sun Exposure
It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area for at least two weeks. If you need to go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.
Avoid Heat and Harsh Products
For the first 24 hours after treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense physical activities. These can increase irritation and prolong recovery time.
Don’t use harsh skincare products on the treated area for a few days. Ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide should be avoided as they can cause further irritation.
When to Contact Your Physician
If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or blistering, contact your physician immediately. Following these post-care instructions will help you achieve the best results and reduce the risk of complications.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Common Side Effects
While laser hair removal is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the treated area.
These side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few hours to a couple of days. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel can help soothe the skin.
Serious Side Effects
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur. These can include changes in skin pigmentation, such as darkening or lightening of the treated skin. These changes are usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.
Blistering, scarring, or changes in skin texture are also rare but possible. To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to follow all pre- and post-treatment care instructions provided by your physician.
Special Considerations for Darker Skin Tones
Patients with darker skin tones may be at a slightly higher risk for pigmentation changes. Discuss any concerns with your dermatologist before starting treatment to determine the best approach for your skin type.
What Results Will I See From Laser Hair Removal?
You will need between four and six sessions (double for darker ethnicities) to completely treat your hair and make sure all follicles receive treatment. We recommend yearly maintenance sessions since some hair will grow back during that time, although usually very fine, sparse, and softer than before.
Number of Sessions and Expectations
Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results. This is because hair grows in cycles, and the laser only targets follicles in the active growth phase during each treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Needed
Most patients need between four to six sessions to see significant hair reduction. However, this number can vary based on individual factors like hair color, skin type, and the area being treated.
Session Spacing
Sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart. This allows time for new hair to enter the growth phase, making them vulnerable to the laser in the next session.
What to Expect
It’s important to have realistic expectations. While many people experience a significant reduction in hair growth, the results can vary. Some patients may see hair regrow, but it’s often finer and lighter than before.
Maintenance Sessions
Yearly maintenance sessions might be necessary to keep the results consistent. These sessions help manage any regrowth and ensure long-term effectiveness.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Your physician can provide a more accurate estimate of how many sessions you’ll need based on your specific situation. They can also discuss what results you can realistically expect from the treatment.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
Importance of Consultation
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it’s important to have a pre-treatment consultation with a qualified professional. This step ensures that the treatment is suitable for your skin type and hair color.
What Happens During Consultation
During the consultation, your medical history will be reviewed, including any medications you’re currently taking. This helps the physician determine if there are any factors that might affect the treatment’s efficacy or safety.
The physician will also assess your skin and hair type to choose the most effective laser settings. A test patch may be performed on a small area of skin to see how it reacts to the laser.
Opportunity to Ask Questions
This consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident going into the treatment.
Discussing Goals and Expectations
Discussing your goals and expectations with the physician is crucial. They can provide realistic advice on what results you can achieve and how many sessions you may need.
Candidate Suitability and Skin Types
Best Candidates
Laser hair removal is most effective on individuals with light skin and dark hair. This is because the laser targets the melanin in the hair, and a higher contrast between the skin and hair allows for better absorption of the laser energy.
Advancements for Different Skin Types
However, advancements in laser technology have made the procedure more accessible to people with different skin tones and hair colors. Patients with darker skin tones can still undergo laser hair removal, but they may require more sessions to achieve optimal results.
Challenges with Lighter Hair Colors
Blonde, red, or grey hair contains less melanin, making it more challenging for the laser to target. For these hair colors, alternative hair removal methods might be recommended.
Considerations for Skin Conditions
Patients with certain skin conditions, such as dermatitis or active acne, should consult with their physician before starting treatment. These conditions may affect the suitability of laser hair removal or require special precautions.
Medication Considerations
If you’re taking medications that increase photosensitivity, such as certain antibiotics, discuss this with your physician. They may advise adjusting your treatment plan to avoid adverse effects.
Consultation for Assessment
Your physician will assess your skin and hair type during the consultation to determine if laser hair removal is right for you. They can also recommend the best approach for your specific needs.
Potential Impact of Medications and Medical Conditions
Medication Considerations
Certain medications can influence the effectiveness and safety of laser hair removal. For example, medications that increase photosensitivity, such as some antibiotics or acne treatments, can make your skin more susceptible to burns or irritation from the laser.
Impact of Blood-Thinning Medications
If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, these could increase the risk of bruising in the treated areas. It’s crucial to inform your physician about all medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Consideration for Skin Conditions
Some medical conditions, like dermatitis or active infections, can also affect your eligibility for laser hair removal. These conditions might require you to postpone treatment or follow a modified approach to minimize risks.
Risks for Patients with Keloid Scars
Patients with a history of keloid scars should discuss this with their physician, as laser treatments can sometimes exacerbate scarring. Similarly, if you have any chronic skin conditions, your physician might recommend special precautions.
Consultation Review
Your physician will review your medical history during the pre-treatment consultation. This step is essential to customize the treatment plan according to your specific health needs and to avoid potential complications.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
If you want to remove hair anywhere on your body and end the cycle of shaving and waxing forever, laser hair removal is an option for you. The best candidates have the patience to follow through with the necessary number of sessions and have reasonable expectations.
