Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment option that can significantly lessen the appearance of blemishes on your body, but there are certain things you must keep in mind before undertaking this treatment.
Avoid taking medications that thin the blood, as well as skincare products that could irritate the skin, such as Ibuprofen and any similar remedies.
Ibuprofen Thins the Blood
Laser hair removal uses targeted pulses of light to destroy hair follicles beneath the skin. Because lasers’ heat can damage blood vessels nearby, bruising and bleeding should be expected during laser hair removal treatment. It’s generally advised against taking medications that thin the blood before beginning laser hair removal, such as Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammator drug or NSAID). Doing so increases your risk for more bleeding and bruising afterward.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which works by inhibiting prostaglandin production – hormone-like substances responsible for pain and inflammation. Studies have also revealed it reduces formation of blood clots which could otherwise lead to severe bleeding during surgery or injury, so patients taking it prior to laser hair removal are strongly advised against doing so for at least a week prior. Furthermore, taking it with other NSAIDs like acetaminophen could increase bleeding risk and raise risks of life-threatening conditions known as pulmonary embolism.
Other medications that thin the blood should also be avoided before laser therapy, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin or Aleve; fish oil supplements; St John’s Wort; Ginkgo Biloba and vitamin E should all be avoided; instead Tylenol should be taken for pain relief if necessary.
Certain medications, including Prozac for depression and certain antibiotics as well as acne medications like Isotretinoin and Accutane, may increase sensitivity of skin to light, leading to damage or irritation of it. Therefore, patients must wait at least six months after discontinuing these drugs before considering laser therapy treatment.
Laser hair removal tends to be less painful than electrolysis, which has been likened to having a rubber band snapped against your skin. Even so, some clients still experience some degree of discomfort; premedicating with painkillers such as ibuprofen can help minimize this impact.
Other ways to ease discomfort after laser hair removal include applying topical numbing cream and minimizing contact with the treated area. Furthermore, using sunscreen with high SPF protection and avoiding sun exposure are both necessary in minimizing risk of bruising and scarring.
It Increases Bruising
Bruising is a side effect of laser hair removal caused by laser energy damaging blood vessels in the skin, leaving bruises that look purple or red and may feel tender when touched. Most bruises resolve within two weeks with medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko biloba extract fish oil and St John’s Wort all being blood thinners that should be avoided along with using ice on treated areas to interfere with natural inflammation process needed by your body for healing; alternatively you could try applying arnica cream which might provide protection from further bruises!
Prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial that you discuss pain management with your technician. Based on your sensitivity and tolerance level, they may make necessary adjustments to laser settings or techniques in order to maximize comfort during treatment. They may suggest applying lidocaine-containing topical numbing cream containing lidocaine; this blocks nerve signals leading directly into affected areas to relieve pain by inhibiting nerve signals that bring it on. Alternatively, you can purchase topical numbing cream over-the-counter or have it applied by your technician during treatment at their salon.
Avoid taking ibuprofen 48 hours prior to laser hair removal as it thins the blood, making you more prone to bruising after laser hair removal. Instead, acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used instead as it won’t thin your blood like ibuprofen does. Get plenty of sleep the night before your appointment as stress can impact pain receptors in your body; and schedule it after menstruation since hormone fluctuations increase your sensitivity to pain.
To minimize bruising after laser hair removal, it’s a good idea to apply a thick layer of aloe vera gel over your treatment area. This will reduce swelling and itching caused by laser hair removal; avoid scrubbing or loofahing this area as this can irritate skin further. Also remember to apply sunscreen regularly as sunlight exposure increases risk for bruising and hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal.
It Increases the Risk of Scarring
If you’re sick and tired of shaving your underarms, legs, and other parts of the body and are considering laser hair removal as a potential alternative, please be aware that it can be quite uncomfortable. Depending on your pain threshold, laser sessions could take anywhere from several minutes up to an hour; some individuals experience very minimal discomfort at all while others will clench their fists every time the laser zaps their fist. There are however ways in which you can prepare both body and mind for laser treatment: here are two things
Before your appointment, try to avoid taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen that thin the blood and could increase the risk of bruising around the treated area. Instead, switch to taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), as this medication is processed through your liver without increasing risk of bruising.
Make sure to shave the area prior to your laser hair removal appointment, although this might seem counterintuitive; shaving helps the laser target more accurately the hair follicles and decrease your chances of experiencing irritation afterward. You can also purchase over-the-counter numbing cream or gel to apply on skin prior to an appointment and help minimize discomfort significantly.
Sleep can actually help regulate your body’s pain sensors and may decrease how much discomfort is felt during an appointment. Furthermore, try scheduling it when you are not menstruating or experiencing other PMS symptoms as these can make the pain more intense.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothing when having laser treatment, and avoid anything that exposes the area being treated in order to avoid irritation or rash caused by laser. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to limit sun exposure and tanning beds until after your procedure, while using sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher when going outside.
It Can Damage the Blood Cells
Ibuprofen may damage blood cells after laser hair removal, increasing bruising. This may also increase infection and lengthen the healing process – both of which will diminish your results from treatment. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid taking this painkiller prior to an appointment; alternatively you could opt for over-the-counter pain relief such as Tylenol which doesn’t thin blood and will therefore decrease chances of bruising or infection.
If you’re unsure which over-the-counter pain relievers are safe before laser hair removal, speak with your technician. They’ll be able to recommend the ideal choice. It is also important to notify them if taking medications or herbal supplements that could hinder treatment or cause side effects.
Some medications and supplements can make your skin more sensitive to light, so you should discontinue their use at least two weeks before beginning laser hair removal treatment. Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements increase bleeding and bruising during laser hair removal sessions; additionally, people living with an inherited condition where their bodies don’t produce enough vitamin B3 are highly light sensitive and unsuitable for laser therapy treatment.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is wise to avoid shaving the area that will be treated as this may increase skin sensitivity to light used during treatment and may increase discomfort. Also important is limiting sun exposure in the days before, which could shade blood vessels under your skin, rendering laser hair removal less effective and potentially increasing risk for discoloration post treatment.
Laser hair removal should ideally take place right after you receive your period, since this time of the month tends to lessen pain receptor activity. If this time does not work out for you, try scheduling it one week post period instead; use topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during treatment and inform your laser technician of any sensitive areas on your skin that might need special considerations.
