In recent years, laser hair removal has grown in popularity as an easy and effective method to remove hair. Whether your focus is on your legs, underarms, or if you’re working towards a Brazilian laser hair removal, having some preparation before the session will increase its efficacy and make the entire experience more enjoyable. This guide will help you manage your expectations and provide you the information to adequately prepare for your first session.
What is laser hair removal?
As the name suggests, laser hair removal is a treatment that targets unwanted hair using lasers as the primary tool. It is a cosmetic procedure targeted at removing hair using high-intensity light beams focused onto a singular point that destroys whatever is in its path. The light has, or is intended to have, a specific value of wavelength that is taken in by the melanin that is in the hair, once it is converted to heat it will damage the hair follicle to a point where it will not grow hair for a long duration of time. It is a much more enduring alternative to waxing or shaving, although like many good things, it needs patience since it requires multiple sessions.
Choosing the Right Clinic
Selecting the right clinic is important to do before scheduling an appointment. The clinic you choose should have a good reputation and their technicians need to be certified and experienced. You may gain useful information by checking reviews online or asking a friend or family member. A good clinic will offer a consultation prior to your first session to talk about your skin type, hair type, and expectations.
What Happens in the Consultation
For your consultation, the technician will need to check your skin and hair type to hair type so they can prepare the laser, which is the piece of technology they will need, most suited for you. Depending on your complexion and hair color, different lasers can be used. Darker skin tones will require heavier lasers, while lighter skin will need the opposite. Don’t forget to ask questions regarding anything that comes to mind during the visit, why is it a good time to ask anything that you need answered concerning the procedure.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
To achieve optimal results and minimize risks, carefully follow the instructions noted below.
Avoid All Sun Exposure
Restricting sun exposure is important since it can lead to possible complications like burns and pigmentation changes. Direct sunlight and tanning beds must be avoided at least two weeks before your treatment. If you need to go outside, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
Shave and Don’t Wax
While this may sound counterintuitive, you must shave the area that will be treated 24-48 hours prior to your appointment. Shaving allows the hair to be removed above the skin’s surface, and allows the laser to target the hair follicle effectively. Waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams must be avoided since these methods remove the hair’s roots, which need to be present for laser treatment to be beneficial.
Skip Certain Products
Stop using retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids that can cause skin irritation at least two days prior to your treatment. In addition, lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and other similar products must not be worn on the day of the treatment as they can disrupt the laser’s effectiveness.
During the Session
Knowing what to expect during your session can help ease any apprehension you may feel. The seal begins with the technician outlining the treatment area with a white pencil for the laser to follow. Your eyes will be protected from the laser light with special eyewear that will be provided to you. After protecting your eyes, the technician will start using a laser handpiece, which delivers pulses to the skin. These pulses might feel like a rubber band you snap against your skin. Sessions generally range from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Post-Treatment Care
Your skin may be red and slightly swollen after the session, similar to a mild sunburn. This reaction is completely normal and should be resolved after a few hours. To aid healing and minimize discomfort, follow these post-treatment tips:
Cool the Area
Applying a cold compress or aloe vera gel to the treated area can reduce swelling and provide both comfort and relief.
Moisturize and Protect
The area will be sensitive to sunlight and needs generous amounts of fragrance-free moisturizer and sunscreen. Regularly applying sunscreen will further protect the skin as it heals.
Avoid Heat
For 24-48 hours post-treatment, avoid hot baths, saunas, or any exercise that would cause excessive sweating. Heat will worsen irritation and prolong recovery time.
Scheduling Follow-Up Sessions
Most people require around six to eight sessions with breaks of four to six weeks in between. This varies depending on the area being treated, thickness of hair, and individual growth cycle. Consistency is vital as each session works on hair that is in a different phase of the growth cycle.
Interpreting the Results
Having realistic expectations can prove helpful when dealing with the results. While losing up to 80% of hair growth is expected, complete and total hair follicle death is never guaranteed, meaning some hair may come back. If it does, it will most likely be finer in texture and lighter in color than before. In order to maintain results whatever results that are achieved may need to be sustained with maintenance sessions from time to time.
Final Thoughts
The first session of laser hair removal requires a lot of planning for pre and post treatment care. Knowing the procedure, selecting a good clinic with a good reputation, and caring for the area as recommended increases the chances of better results. From smoother skin devoid of hair to the option of brazilian laser hair removal, the results are gratifying. Whether you’re thinking about treating a small section or Brazilian laser hair removal, this preparation will put you on the direction to achieving great results.
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