Taking the plunge and scheduling your first laser hair removal appointment is a thrilling step towards hair-free skin. However, before visiting the clinic, you should make sure you have everything you need for a positive and stress-free visit.
From finding a qualified specialist in laser hair removal to preparing for your first session, this guide has you covered. By getting yourself ready in this way, you can face the permanent removal of undesired hair with less anxiety and more assurance.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Selective photothermolysis is the scientific name for the method by which lasers remove hair. The laser's heat kills cells that contain a high concentration of pigment. Dark hair, which has more pigment, is better at retaining heat. When exposed to heat, hair prevents new hair follicles from forming.
For the operation to be effective, the hair follicle must be in the anagen, or growing, phase. Most people require repeated laser treatments because follicles progress through their life cycle at various rates at different times.
Hair Growth Explained
Hair follicle health and thickness are largely inherited characteristics. Your clinician will walk you through the procedure and tell you how many sessions you can expect to need. Laser clinic will walk you through the hair growth cycles, the technology, the whole process, cost, and payment choices, the best time to begin treatment, and why you're in the best hands possible.
What Is A Laser Hair Removal Patch Test?
If you are not tanned at the time of your visit, your doctor will conduct a patch test to see if laser hair removal is right for you. A skin test is required the day before your first treatment. We'll put the laser on a tiny section of the target and keep an eye on how it does.
Do I Still Need A Patch Test If I’ve Had One Before?
Even if you've already had laser hair removal on other parts of your body, we still need to do a patch test before treating this area.
This is because some of your skin may be more sensitive than others, and it's also for safety reasons. The technology, conditions, and your condition may have changed since you last had laser treatment, so a patch test is still necessary even if you've had it elsewhere. We will develop a customised treatment plan and schedule your first laser visit if we determine that your skin is amenable to laser treatment.
How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal
While laser hair removal is generally painless and safe, there are things you can do before your treatment to raise your risk of side effects. You should talk to your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist about the dangers involved and learn how to minimise them before undergoing any cosmetic surgery.
Clean Your Skin Before The Treatment
Bring a clean pair of legs, underarms, and bikini area to the salon or medical spa of your choice for the treatment. The efficiency of the laser can be diminished by the presence of lotions, grime, and other impurities on the skin. When the skin is clean, the laser can penetrate deeper and destroy the hair follicle.
Stop Waxing Or Plucking
Waxing and plucking are two examples of permanent hair removal procedures that work by removing hair from the root. After having your hair waxed or plucked, the laser equipment will not be able to target the hair pigment. Avoid any treatments that pull out hair from its follicles in the six weeks prior to your laser hair removal appointment.
Shave The Treatment Area
Shaving is required one or two days before to a laser hair removal treatment, although waxing and plucking are not. It leaves the hair in place so the laser may more easily access the pigment in the hair. Similarly, shaving removes surface hair before laser treatment, reducing the risk of skin damage.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Traditional lasers require a distinct colour contrast between the skin and hair to successfully target the pigment in the hair, hence tanning increases the risk of laser burns. The laser may miss the hair and instead burn the melanin in darker skin. For a few weeks before treatment, you should avoid the beach and tanning beds.
If you want the laser to hit the hair follicle and not your tanned skin, you should avoid self-tanning products for two weeks beforehand. This lessens the potential for skin burns as well.
Use Medications With Caution
The increased skin sensitivity and risk of adverse effects caused by some drugs can pose problems during the laser hair removal process.
Before undergoing laser hair removal therapy, anyone using any of the aforementioned drugs should talk to their doctor about the dangers involved.
Use Skin Products Carefully
Before undergoing laser hair removal, you should ask your cosmetics provider which products are acceptable to use. Some components in skincare products can increase the likelihood of discolouration, redness, and other negative effects, as well as make the skin more sensitive to pain.
For several days prior to your laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended that you use only mild cleansers and moisturisers.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which can make laser hair removal more uncomfortable, so try to avoid it in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment.
Refrain From Drinking Coffee
If you're about to get laser eye surgery, don't drink coffee for a few hours beforehand. Like alcohol, coffee can make the skin more sensitive, which can amplify feelings of discomfort or pain.
Avoid Laser Hair Removal After Botox And Dermal Fillers
Laser hair removal should be postponed for two weeks after getting Botox or dermal fillers. There may be some swelling and redness after laser therapy if the injectables haven't had time to settle.
What To Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
People typically need 6-10 treatments to observe a permanent reduction in hair growth, though you should see results as early as the third consultation.
It will take at least 6 months to finish the treatment. This is because the hair development cycle requires a minimum of 4 weeks between sessions and can be as long as 10 weeks.
The appointment itself, though, is typically brief. It could take up to an hour to cover a huge region like the back. Appointments to treat the upper lip often last only a few minutes.
You'll be issued a pair of safety glasses during your scheduled appointment. You might even get some numbing cream to aid with the pain.
Fear not if the mere mention of lasers brings visions of charred flesh. In contrast to other hair removal methods, lasers used for this purpose only affect the hair follicles and not the surrounding skin. Many patients report feeling pain or stinging during the operation.
Most significantly, laser hair removal treatment does work and you may expect visible results. Ninety percent of people find that laser hair removal works for them, with most seeing results after three to six treatments.
It's worth keeping in mind, though, that you may have to wait a while for the effects to kick in. An increase in hair growth during the initial stages of treatment is common. Don't give up; eventually you'll achieve success.
On The Treatment Day
It is crucial that you arrive at the clinic on time for your scheduled treatment session.
When you arrive at the clinic, a doctor or nurse will greet you. You'll be able to get ready for your session in peace and quiet here.
Undressing
In order to get the laser therapy, you will need to remove clothing from the area(s) being treated. Towels for discreetly covering sensitive areas will be provided by your clinician.
If you are undergoing laser therapy on multiple areas or the entire body, you may find it more convenient to undress only partially between treatments.
Your doctor or specialist will determine if your hair growth is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. In addition, disinfect the operating room.
Markings With A White Pen
They'll use a white marker to draw lines around the area to make sure nothing is overlooked. Avoid unfavourable consequences by hiding flaws and positive features behind makeup. And if you have any tattoos, they'll cover the edges to prevent the laser from going over them.
Numbing Cream (If Required)
There are more vulnerable spots on the human body than others. Numbing cream will be supplied to you before to your procedure, but it is not required. Our laser specialists have worked with countless patients over the years, so they know just how to put you at ease.
Goggles
Wearing protective eyewear is a prerequisite to beginning treatment. If you'd like, you can close your eyes and relax by lying down. Never, ever gaze at the laser directly with your unprotected eyes.
Making Sure You Are Comfortable
Your clinician may interrupt the procedure to check on your comfort. Before and after laser treatment, they can provide additional skin soothing by using the cold air function of the laser. If you have really sensitive skin, they will likely divide the region to be treated into smaller patches.
They use a disinfected napkin to wipe down the table every few minutes.
Correct Settings
During therapy, your clinician may make adjustments to the equipment. This ensures optimal strength and uniformity throughout the region being treated. During treatment, your professional will use only the essential and appropriate parameters. Which can vary from place to place depending on factors including total treatment sessions, hair follicle count, and skin sensitivity.
Your Feedback Is Important
It's possible that your doctor will need your assistance as well. They may need you to hold a certain position or assist them with some treatments, such as the perianal.
During treatment, feel free to ask your doctors and nurses anything. They will see to it that you have everything you need to feel relaxed and prepared.
Respecting Your Privacy
Your doctor will always keep your comfort and confidentiality in mind during your laser treatment. Towels will be used even when you are getting laser therapy in the bikini area. In addition, your doctor or other medical professional will only expose those parts of your body that need to be seen.
What To Expect After Your First Laser Hair Removal Session?
Up To 24 To 48 Hours After
The skin is left feeling tender and itchy after laser hair removal treatment. The colour of the patient's skin may change. Therefore, it is best to refrain from doing anything that can further aggravate the skin. After your initial laser hair removal session, you should rest for at least 24 hours and avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise. Deodorant, body lotion, and scented products should not be worn by patients. Aloe vera gel has been shown to have a calming effect on the skin.
A Week After
Patients undergoing laser hair removal might expect to see some shedding in the days after their treatment. You shouldn't take this for new growth; it's perfectly natural. The use of wax, plucking, or tweezing on a patient is strictly forbidden.
3 To 4 Weeks After
After the first laser hair removal treatment, the treated area will be hair-free for roughly four to six weeks. After that time period, patients should start to see new, fine hairs sprouting. These hairs should not be removed by tweezing or waxing. Indeed, they will be the focus of the subsequent therapy, which is scheduled to take place shortly.
Within 3 Months
Patients at this stage should have had two treatments. At least half of the hair will be gone from the groyne, chest, face, arms, and underarms. Although individual outcomes will vary based on skin type, it is reasonable to expect a significant reduction in hair growth.
Within 6 Months
After one year, or eight months for smaller areas, patients should have finished their sessions of laser hair removal. The loss of hair is now irreversible.
Face and bikini area treatments take longer because of their hormonal significance. This is because hormones control the hair growth cycle. Wearing a tampon during your period does not prevent you from getting bikini or Brazilian laser hair removal.
Conclusion
Before your first laser hair removal session, ensure you have everything you need for a positive and stress-free experience. Laser hair removal works through selective photothermolysis, which kills cells with high pigment concentrations. Dark hair, which has more pigment, is better at retaining heat, and for the operation to be effective, the hair follicle must be in the anagen (growing) phase. Most people require repeated laser treatments due to follicles progressing through their life cycle at different rates.
A patch test is required if you are not tanned at the time of your visit. Even if you have had laser hair removal on other parts of your body, a patch test is still necessary for safety reasons.
To prepare for laser hair removal, clean your skin before the treatment, stop waxing or plucking six weeks prior to the treatment, and shave the treatment area one or two days before the treatment. Avoid sun exposure, avoid tanning beds, and avoid self-tanning products two weeks before the treatment to minimize the risk of skin burns.
Use medications with caution, as increased skin sensitivity and risk of adverse effects can pose problems during the laser hair removal process. Talk to your doctor about the dangers involved before undergoing any cosmetic surgery.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, consult your cosmetics provider to ensure safe skincare products and avoid alcohol and coffee. Laser hair removal should be postponed for two weeks after Botox or dermal fillers to avoid swelling and redness. It typically takes 6-10 treatments to achieve permanent hair reduction, with results expected as early as the third consultation. The treatment takes at least 6 months due to the hair development cycle.
Appointments are brief, lasting up to an hour for large areas and a few minutes for smaller ones. Safety glasses and numbing cream may be provided to alleviate pain. Laser hair removal only affects hair follicles, not surrounding skin, and may cause pain or stinging during the operation.
On the treatment day, arrive at the clinic on time, undress, and disinfect the operating room. Your doctor or specialist will determine if your hair growth is healthy enough for the procedure and disinfect the operating room. A white marker will be used to draw lines around the area, and numbing cream may be provided if needed.
Protective eyewear is required before beginning treatment, and patients should rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Clinicians may interrupt the procedure to check on comfort and provide skin soothing using the cold air function of the laser. Disinfectants are used to wipe down the table every few minutes. During therapy, the clinician may make adjustments to the equipment to ensure optimal strength and uniformity. Patients should be aware of their doctor's needs and feedback during treatment.
After the first laser hair removal session, patients may experience tenderness and itching, but should rest for at least 24 hours and avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise. Aloe vera gel has been shown to have a calming effect on the skin. Hair loss is expected within a week, with hair-free areas for four to six weeks. Within three months, at least half of the hair will be gone, and within six months, the loss is irreversible.
Content Summary
- Embarking on your first laser hair removal appointment is an exciting step towards smooth, hair-free skin.
- Prior to your clinic visit, ensure you have everything in place for a stress-free experience.
- This comprehensive guide covers everything, from finding a qualified specialist to preparing for your initial session.
- Preparing adequately will help you approach hair removal with confidence and minimal anxiety.
- Laser hair removal employs selective photothermolysis to target hair follicles effectively.
- The laser's heat selectively destroys pigment-rich cells in dark hair, preventing new follicle growth.
- Hair follicles must be in the anagen (growth) phase for laser treatment to be effective.
- Most people require multiple sessions due to varying hair growth rates and cycles.
- Hair follicle health and thickness are hereditary traits, which your clinician will consider.
- Your clinician will guide you through the treatment process, costs, and the ideal starting time.
- A laser hair removal patch test is essential to determine if the treatment is suitable for you.
- Even if you've had laser treatment elsewhere, a patch test is still necessary for safety.
- Prepare for your laser session by ensuring clean, lotion-free skin for maximum efficiency.
- Avoid waxing or plucking for six weeks prior to your appointment to allow hair regrowth.
- Shave the treatment area one or two days before to aid laser penetration without removing pigment.
- Steer clear of sun exposure and self-tanning products for a few weeks before treatment.
- Certain medications can increase skin sensitivity, so discuss these with your doctor.
- Check with your cosmetics provider for safe skincare product usage before treatment.
- Dehydrate your skin by avoiding alcohol 24 hours before your laser appointment.
- Skip coffee consumption before treatment to reduce skin sensitivity during the session.
- Postpone laser hair removal for two weeks after receiving Botox or dermal fillers.
- Plan for 6-10 sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction, with results visible after the third.
- Expect the treatment to span at least 6 months due to hair growth cycles.
- Appointments can vary in duration, with large areas taking up to an hour.
- Safety glasses and numbing cream may be provided for your comfort.
- Laser hair removal primarily affects hair follicles, not the surrounding skin.
- About 90% of patients experience successful hair reduction after several sessions.
- Initial hair growth may occur, but persistence will lead to eventual success.
- Punctuality is crucial for your laser treatment appointment.
- Doctors or nurses will greet you and prepare you for the session.
- Depending on the area treated, undress as necessary and maintain privacy.
- White markings are used to ensure comprehensive coverage during treatment.
- Numbing cream may be offered for comfort, although it's optional.
- Protective goggles are essential during the laser treatment.
- Clinicians may adjust equipment settings to optimize the treatment.
- Your feedback is welcomed during the procedure.
- Laser treatment respects your privacy, with towels used to maintain modesty.
- After the first session, expect tender, itchy skin for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, and exercise during this time.
- Steer clear of deodorant, body lotion, and scented products.
- Aloe vera gel can help soothe the skin.
- Shedding of hair may occur in the days following treatment; it's a natural process.
- Avoid waxing, plucking, or tweezing in treated areas.
- After the initial session, enjoy hair-free skin for 4-6 weeks.
- Expect fine hairs to reappear, which will be targeted in subsequent sessions.
- Significant hair reduction is likely within three months.
- Complete your laser hair removal sessions within six months to achieve permanent results.
- Note that facial and bikini area treatments may take longer due to hormonal factors.
- Hormones influence the hair growth cycle, making consistent treatment necessary.
- Don't worry; you can still undergo bikini or Brazilian laser hair removal during your period.
