September 15, 2021
5 Steps to Prepare For your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
When undergoing any medical-grade cosmetic treatment, using a highly qualified practitioner in a clean, state-of-the-art medical facility is one of the most important determining factors for a successful outcome. There are, however, steps that you can take to ensure the best results. If you’ve decided to get laser hair removal, there are some important steps you need to take beforehand to ensure a safe, comfortable treatment, and long-lasting results.
Stop Using Topical Products
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for laser hair removal is to stop using all topical products 48 hours before treatment to be sure that you don’t have any traces on your skin at the time of treatment. This includes makeup, lotions, body oils, and even creams containing SPF’s or alpha hydroxy acids – essentially anything applied topically. The reason for this is because these products can interfere with the laser, causing it not to work as effectively or to become too intense.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoiding sun exposure before laser hair removal is especially important. This includes staying out of tanning beds or going to an outdoor area where you will be exposed to the sun’s rays. The laser works by targeting specific pigments, but it can’t differentiate between the pigment in your skin and the pigment in your hair. Laser treatment works best when there is a distinct difference in color between the hair to be targeted and the skin that it grows from. So any increase of pigmentation in the skin is best avoided.
Make Sure to Shave Before Your Treatment
Make sure to shave the area where you are getting your laser hair removal treatment before coming in for treatment. Since the laser is actually targeting the hair follicle, not the shaft, shaving can help improve results, as it will allow for a cleaner target and easier penetration of the light beam into the skin.
Avoid Waxing or Tweezing
Waxing or plucking the area where you’re getting your laser hair removal should be avoided for about two weeks beforehand. This is because these methods remove hair at the follicle level, beneath the skin. We want the follicles intact since that is the area of the hair that the laser will be targeting.
Disclose Medications
Make sure to disclose any other medication that you may be using (including over-the-counter remedies) or dietary supplements before beginning treatment. Some medications may darken your complexion, which can make it more difficult for us to get an accurate reading of your pigment.
However, there are also certain supplements that you should avoid taking before laser hair removal treatment, as they may increase the risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening) after treatment. This includes St John’s Wort, Ginko Biloba, and other supplements containing polyphenols or caffeine.
If you have any questions about whether your medication should be discontinued before laser hair removal treatment, please contact our office to discuss the best course of action for you.