Laser hair removal is a wonderful option for men and women who are ready to permanently remove unwanted body hair and say goodbye to razors and waxing appointments. Here are some easy tips to help guide you through your treatment sessions safely and get the best results possible.
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Stop Waxing and Plucking 6 Weeks
before Your First Session
During the six weeks before your first treatment session, you should not wax or pluck any hair in the treatment area, although shaving is fine. Waxing and plucking interfere with the laser’s ability to accurately identify and target the hair follicles. The same rules apply in between treatment sessions, so stock up on quality razors.
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Shave Before Each Appointment
Shaving helps remove surface debris and dead skin and allows the laser to better penetrate the hair follicle. Also, shorter hairs at the treatment site can help keep you more comfortable during treatment. Shave the day before your treatment with a new, clean blade for the best laser hair removal results.
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Avoid the Sun During Treatment
Before your first session, tanning should be strictly avoided. This goes beyond natural sun exposure to include tanning beds, spray tans and self-tanning lotions and creams. Between sessions, exposure to the sun or tanning beds should be avoided, but patients will generally be given the go-ahead by their technician to use self-tanning products and spray tans.
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Choose an Experienced Laser Technician
Laws and licensing requirements that govern laser technicians vary from state to state, but are generally pretty lax. Serious damage to your skin can occur if you allow someone who’s not qualified to perform your treatment sessions. Make sure the facility you’re visiting is owned and supervised by a medical doctor and verify the experience and credentials of your technician.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
