Certain drugs and dietary supplements may increase the risk of adverse effects after laser hair removal. Antibiotics, Accutane and Retin-A may make skin more sensitive to light which could result in bleeding and bruising during treatments.
Your licensed medical technician should understand your medications, so they can tailor treatment specifically to you. Furthermore, it’s essential that post-treatment scratching does not occur as this may lead to inflammation and irritation in the area being treated.
Avoiding paracetamol
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment to eliminate unwanted hair. To achieve maximum results and lower risks, it is vital that patients adhere to certain recommendations both prior to and following laser hair removal treatments, including limiting sun exposure, shaving the treated area and forgoing topical treatments. Furthermore, it is wise to refrain from medications or supplements which could interfere with its effectiveness; paracetamol should be avoided prior to laser therapy as an example of such medication that should be avoided.
Paracetamol is an effective pain reliever available over-the-counter or by prescription from doctors, and should never exceed its maximum daily dosage. Doing so could result in severe liver damage; taking too much should be reported immediately to medical professionals.
Antidepressants can have an adverse reaction with laser hair removal treatments due to containing photosensitive compounds that react with UV light. As such, antidepressant medication such as Zoloft, Prozac, Adapin or Vivactil should be discontinued four days before receiving laser hair removal treatments in order to ensure appropriate warnings and advice from a laser technician.
Similar concerns apply to other commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, including acne medications like Roaccutane and Retin-A that contain photosensitizing compounds that increase laser hair removal side effects. Furthermore, antibiotics, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatories may increase them further when combined with laser hair removal treatments.
Prior to laser hair removal treatment, it is generally wise to avoid taking painkillers or supplements that contain caffeine for two weeks prior to. Furthermore, any vitamins or herbal remedies not approved by the FDA should also be stopped immediately. Likewise, be sure to discuss all medications with the doctor who will be conducting your laser hair removal treatment session.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, patients must be sure not to shave or use waxing products on the treated area for at least six months afterward, in order to prevent regrowth and reduce inflammation risk. Scratching can cause infection and scarring. Instead, using ice packs or over-the-counter ointments as needed could provide some comfort from any discomfort that may arise in this regard.
Patients must also take great care not to overexert themselves during exercise or sweat in the treated area, which could cause excessive sweating that would negate the benefits of their laser hair removal treatment. Wearing loose-fitting clothing helps avoid rubbing against it during activity and is advised. Furthermore, applying or removing makeup in this area could expose it to bacteria that cause infections – something patients should avoid doing if possible.
Taking paracetamol
Before undertaking laser hair removal, it’s essential that you prepare yourself adequately in advance to reduce stress and discomfort. Some key steps you should take include shaving the area prior to treatment, getting enough restful sleep, and avoiding medications that might trigger photosensitivity.
Avoid shaving or waxing the treated area several days before your appointment to avoid irritation, making the laser treatment more uncomfortable. If necessary, however, be sure to shave gently. Using razor blades that have sharp edges or tugging at your skin could increase pain levels significantly and damage sensitive skin in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Shaving should take place a minimum of 24 hours prior to receiving laser treatments for optimal results and reduced risk. Shaving is proven effective at targeting hair follicles more accurately while also helping the laser target them, thus decreasing risk and discomfort during treatments. Most contributing experts agree that shaving helps minimize pain and discomfort during these procedures.
Before any procedure, it is wise to steer clear of alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as these may induce sleepiness as well as increase your chances of post-treatment side effects. If medication needs to be taken, be sure to follow label instructions precisely. Furthermore, direct sunlight exposure could further sensitize skin cells leading to sunburns if not handled carefully.
After laser hair removal, it is normal for redness and swelling in the treated area to persist for several days or more after treatment. Rubbing or scratching will irritate sensitive skin further, so instead use over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment or aloe vera as soothing remedies instead. Keep in mind that some hair may shed one to two weeks later as your body pushes out damaged follicles from within them.
Finally, laser hair removal should not take place during your menstrual cycle as hormones in your body may affect pain tolerance. Also avoid any numbing cream or pain medications for at least four weeks prior to receiving laser treatment.
It is essential that your laser technician knows about any medications you’re taking as this will allow them to customize your treatment and reduce potential side effects, while they may recommend alternative solutions if any adverse reactions arise. A licensed medical professional should also be able to recognize natural photosensitivity and treat accordingly; additionally they will advise as to when further treatments should take place and when further consultations should take place. For more information about laser hair removal and how you can prepare for it contact today for your free consultation!
