Laser hair removal can be a relatively painless procedure, yet still be uncomfortable. To minimize discomfort during laser hair removal sessions, try relaxing by taking deep breaths during each treatment and relaxing both mind and body before beginning laser hair removal sessions. Furthermore, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided prior to laser hair removal sessions.
Ibuprofen may increase bruising and should not be taken prior to laser hair removal; instead, use an acetaminophen-based product such as Tylenol for optimal results.
It thins the blood
Laser hair removal is an efficient and noninvasive solution to unwanted hair growth, by targeting hair follicles beneath the skin without harming surrounding tissue. While laser hair removal can be painful in sensitive areas, discussing pain tolerance with your technician and making minor adjustments to minimize discomfort is important for optimal results. They may recommend topical numbing cream containing lidocaine that blocks nerve signals for added pain relief; or you could take Tylenol or another acetaminophen-containing medication as pain reliever before your appointment but avoid taking ibuprofen or any NSAIDs which could thin blood and increase bruising due to reduced nerve signalling from nerve signals being blocked off.
Your technician may use additional methods, such as applying ice packs or cold towels to reduce pain and swelling during treatment, in addition to applying numbing gel. They may also suggest antihistamines over-the-counter for irritation caused by laser treatment. You should avoid heat exposure for two days after laser therapy to minimize hyperpigmentation risk such as saunas, hot showers, tanning beds etc. Additionally, moisturize your skin in advance by keeping it moisturized in preparation of an appointment.
Avoid caffeine and nicotine before your appointment in order to lessen discomfort associated with laser hair removal, and don’t shave for 24 hours prior. This will avoid thermal injury to the surface of your skin while still allowing laser light to target hair follicles directly. Furthermore, ask your technician if they offer numbing cream that they can apply before treatment begins.
Laser hair removal treatments may differ in terms of pain intensity depending on your menstrual cycle and any medications taken, which is why it’s advisable to schedule them post-menstruation if possible and after it. Antihistamines, NSAIDs and antibiotics may alter how your skin responds to laser therapy as well.
It increases bruising
Ibuprofen thins the blood, increasing the likelihood of bruising when taken prior to laser hair removal treatments. Therefore, most laser hair removal providers advise their clients not to take ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medicines such as acetaminophen before or during their procedure as these can worsen pain relief. It is advised to also refrain from drinking caffeine prior or during procedures as this could increase discomfort significantly.
Disclosing any other medications to your laser technician is of utmost importance, as some can increase sensitivity to light and cause burning or reddening in the treated area. Examples of such medicines may include cold/flu medicines, antibiotics and mood regulators as well as hormone disruptors which alter hormone levels leading to changes in pain tolerance levels.
For maximum comfort during a laser treatment session, it is a wise practice to shave the treatment area prior to an appointment. This will prevent thermal injury to the surface of skin while simultaneously targeting hair follicles directly with laser technology. In addition, applying moisturizing cream beforehand may further soothe irritation in this sensitive zone.
Additionally, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the treatment area for 10 minutes prior and post each session is another useful tip to numbing and reduce inflammation in that area. Finally, in order to minimize potential irritation to skin from sweating in subsequent days following your therapy session and to avoid increased bruising.
Patients often report itching following laser treatments. This itch may be due to either heat from the laser itself, or an allergic reaction from using numbing cream during your procedure. If this occurs to you, try not to scratch as this could open up and deepen bruising beneath the surface skin layer. A topical antihistamine may help keep itching at bay; otherwise seek advice from a physician or dermatologist as symptoms persist.
It can cause an allergic reaction
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication that may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Before beginning laser hair removal, consult with a physician or pharmacist regarding taking ibuprofen as this could result in serious allergic reactions such as rash, mucous membrane lesions, blisters or hives – potentially serious reactions may include chest pain spreading to jaw or shoulder; hoarseness; trouble breathing etc.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, you should avoid products containing salicylic acid, retinol or benzoyl peroxide as these ingredients may increase photosensitivity – increasing the chances of burning when receiving laser treatment. You should also stay away from tanning beds and self-tanners in the weeks leading up to it to ensure that treated skin remains protected and does not develop hyperpigmentation issues post treatment.
Professional laser technicians will be able to adjust the settings and techniques of the laser to reduce discomfort for you, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or listening to relaxing music may also help. Take deep breaths during procedures as this may help soothe any discomfort that arises during them.
Reducing pain involves cutting back on caffeine and nicotine consumption, both of which make your nerves more sensitive, leading to more discomfort. Before your laser hair removal procedure begins, ask your technician for a numbing cream which contains lidocaine; these creams block nerve signals to your pain receptors on skin surface and relieve symptoms more effectively.
Last, you should avoid getting laser hair removal treatments while premenstrual or on your period, since your hormone levels will likely be elevated and this could increase pain sensitivity receptors.
After your laser hair removal treatment, applying ice is also beneficial in terms of inflammation reduction and relieving any “sunburn” sensation that may arise as a result. Instead of rubbing or scratching at the treated area, allow it to dry naturally while covering it and applying aloe vera ointment several times daily to keep moist conditions. It’s also a good idea to wear clothing that protects and covers it up when going outside – this way no sun exposure occurs and no “sunburn”.
It can be harmful to the fetus
Ibuprofen should not be taken during pregnancy as it can have serious repercussions for both mother and fetus. It can lead to heart defects in fetuses as well as reduce amniotic fluid, essential for lung development. Furthermore, taking this drug could increase your risk of uterine rupture as well as decrease its ability to fight infections effectively. ibuprofen may not be the only medication harmful to the unborn; other drugs could pose equal threats.
If you are pregnant and take ibuprofen, it is wise to consult your physician prior to starting laser hair removal treatments. There are other pain relievers that won’t thin the blood or increase bruising such as Tylenol; alternatively numbing creams are an option but must be applied at least 30 minutes prior to each session; furthermore it is wise to refrain from plucking or tweezing in this area as that could open wounds further and make the procedure more unpleasant.
Prior to beginning treatment, it’s also wise to refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol as both substances can alter hormone levels, potentially altering your pain tolerance. Also try and get adequate rest as sleep deprivation can increase sensitivity to pain and make it harder for the body’s pain receptors to work effectively.
Avoid scheduling laser hair removal treatments prior to menstruation as this can increase pain levels significantly. Instead, schedule the appointment after menstruation when hormone levels have returned to their lowest point. Inquire with your technician about numbing cream they use and whether or not it can be applied prior to beginning treatments.
Research suggests that taking ibuprofen during the first trimester of pregnancy increases your chances of miscarriage by diminishing egg supply in ovarian tissue and dramatically reducing cells that form follicles for female eggs to form within. Researchers found this exposure led to dramatic decreases in the cells that create these follicles, and as such caused significant drops in female egg count within an follicle, which in turn led to miscarriage risk.
