Avoid taking medications and supplements known to increase pain sensitivity before your laser hair removal appointment, and drink plenty of water during those days leading up to treatment. Doing both will ensure that your skin remains fully hydrated for effective laser hair removal treatment.
As Ibuprofen can thin blood, making bleeding and bruising more likely, you should prefer taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an effective pain reliever, but should not be taken prior to laser hair removal treatments as it may thin the blood and increase risk of bruising during treatment. It is best to stop taking this medication several days prior to an appointment as well as other NSAIDs like Alieve or Aspirin which could also increase risk.
Before going in for laser surgery, it is also advisable to avoid caffeine and nicotine consumption as these can increase sensitivity to pain. Drink plenty of water instead so as to flush away these substances from your system and ensure a better experience.
Applying moisturizer to the treatment area prior to your laser appointment can reduce irritation caused by heat and light from the laser, and applying over-the-counter oral antihistamines may also help. Furthermore, asking your technician if an anesthetic cream like EMLA can be applied 30 minutes prior to laser treatments can provide added comfort for sensitive skin types.
Reducing discomfort when it comes to laser hair removal requires taking several measures in advance of treatment, such as refraining from shaving the area for several weeks prior. Shaving makes laser treatments harder; therefore only shave when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, do not scratch irritated areas as this could lead to inflammation or infection – instead use pain medication or numbing cream as relief from itching.
As part of your laser hair removal appointment, it is vital to provide accurate information about all medications taken prior to and during treatment. Trained medical professionals understand the potential dangers posed by photosensitive drugs and can assist you in mitigating risk as best possible.
If you cannot discontinue taking Ibuprofen prior to laser hair removal treatments, try switching over to taking only Acetaminophen one hour prior. Acetaminophen will have less of an effect on blood circulation and less chance of bruising than ibuprofen does. Numbing creams containing lidocaine may also provide comfort during sessions.
Acetaminophen
Taking Tylenol can help alleviate discomfort during laser hair removal; however, before doing so it’s essential that you consult with your practitioner as taking this medication could alter how the laser works and cause more discomfort than necessary.
Lidocaine-containing numbing creams may provide temporary pain relief by blocking nerve signals to the skin and nerve endings. They should be applied 30 minutes prior to beginning treatments; caffeine may make you more sensitive to pain. Furthermore, icing the area before and after appointments may further numb it out.
On the day of a laser treatment, no topical anesthetics should be used as these may lead to adverse reactions with certain laser types. You may ask your technician to make minor adjustments to reduce pain based on your sensitivity and tolerance for discomfort; size can also play an impactful role: smaller areas usually experience less pain than larger ones; dark skinned individuals and those with thicker locks tend to experience greater discomfort during laser procedures.
Antidepressants, tetracyclines and some antibiotics may react adversely with laser light used during laser treatments; it’s important to inform a licensed laser technician of all medications you are taking including over-the-counter drugs.
Applying sunscreen after receiving laser hair removal treatments is especially crucial to protecting the treated skin, which may be more prone to sunburn than usual. You should also wait at least two weeks after treatment before using tanning beds or self-tanners as these products can irritate and hyperpigmentation the area in question.
As part of your preparations for laser hair removal treatment, it is a good idea to apply moisturizing lotion in the days prior to receiving laser therapy treatments. This can reduce irritation and make your skin feel more comfortable, and make you more hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Antidepressants
Laser hair removal can be an efficient and quick solution to hair removal, but some individuals may be concerned about potential pain associated with the process. While this is understandable, there are ways you can ensure a painless experience during laser hair removal sessions. One important strategy is drinking plenty of water in order to stay properly hydrated; this will allow your cells to function as expected and avoid build-up of substances which increase pain sensation. Another tip would be avoiding caffeinated beverages prior to appointments.
Prior to any treatment appointment, it is also vital that you get a good night’s restful slumber. Poor rest can alter how your body and mood function – including pain receptors – which could compromise their performance and cause discomfort. Therefore, we advise getting at least eight hours of uninterrupted restful slumber the night before your scheduled visit.
At last, it is essential that you inform a licensed medical laser technician of any medications you are currently taking as some can have harmful interactions with laser treatments, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and antidepressants.
Size matters when it comes to experiencing pain during treatment; typically smaller areas will be less painful than larger ones. If treating a large area, taking additional measures such as applying ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help lessen its intensity.
