Laser Hair Removal: 11 Facts to Know Before Treatment

Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most popular and effective ways for men and women to achieve smooth and clear skin, with long-lasting results.

However, to maximize treatment benefits, it’s important that patients are educated about the procedure and know what to expect before, during, and after their session.

Here are 11 facts to know before a laser hair removal treatment.

1. It’s Relatively Painless

Despite what you may believe, laser hair removal is a fairly comfortable procedure and feels similar to a light snapping of a rubber band against the skin.

Most patients find it far more tolerable than waxing, plucking, or electrolysis.

2. Results Are Cumulative

It can take two-to-three weeks to start seeing results. However, once hair starts to fall out, you will note that subsequent regrowth is slower and finer.

Optimal effects from laser hair removal are achieved with four-to-six sessions, spaced six-to-eight weeks apart.

3. You Should Shave the Day Before

In addition to shaving the treatment area the day before, you should also remove make-up prior to the session.

This helps to prevent irritation and singeing any hairs.

4. Laser Hair Removal is Quick, Lunch-Time Procedure

Depending on the part of the body or face, laser hair removal can be performed in just a matter of minutes.

Larger areas like the chest, back, legs, and arms can take 30-60 minutes.

5. You Should Avoid Sweating and Heat Afterwards

To prevent inflammation, patients should forego any activities associated with excessive heat or perspiration, including saunas, stream rooms, or intense workouts, for 24 hours.

6. Sun Exposure is a Don’t Following Laser Hair Removal

For several weeks before and after a laser hair removal procedure, you should avoid sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing (i.e. wide-brimmed hat) when necessary.

7. You May Need to Switch Up Your Skincare Routine

Glycolic acid, scrubs, retinol creams, and other exfoliants should be discontinued two days before and after laser hair removal.

You should also wait two weeks to have a chemical peel and one-to-two weeks to apply sunless tanner.

8. Treatment Offers Numerous Benefits

In addition to producing a 60-90 percent reduction in hair growth and permanent results, laser hair removal can also banish pesky ingrown hairs and razor burn.

9. Waxing, Plucking, and Electrolysis Can Interfere with Results

Any method that removes hair at the root, including waxing and plucking, should be avoided for four-to-six weeks before treatment.

Shaving is permitted at any point during the laser hair removal process.

10. Laser Hair Removal is Safe for All Skin Tones

When performed by a qualified laser specialist with extensive experience, laser hair removal is safe for all skin tones.

It’s also worth mentioning that treatment should take place at a clean and professional facility like a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office.

11. It Produces Permanent Results, but Maintenance May be Needed

While laser hair removal offers permanent reduction of hair growth, most patients require a maintenance session every one-to-two years to account for hormonal fluctuations.

If you are considering laser hair removal, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled and experienced laser specialists.