Have you decided to finally get laser hair removal done? Congratulations on taking such an important step – and make sure you make an informed decision!
At your consultation, you will receive pre-treatment instructions that are important to adhere to in order to achieve the best outcome from treatment. Failure to comply may have serious repercussions and result in adverse results.
The Consultation
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment, yet not suitable for everyone. A consultation will help determine if laser hair removal is right for you and help determine how many sessions will be necessary based on your individual needs. At the consultation, a practitioner will explain the procedure and identify areas for treatment. This treatment is appropriate for both men and women alike and can target arms, legs, back, chest, abdomen and face areas. Electrolysis is most frequently used to remove unwanted hair on the armpits and legs. Additionally, it can also be used on bikini lines and faces; making it an excellent solution for those seeking to reduce facial hair while weary of waxing or shaving.
After your initial consultation, your practitioner will help create a schedule of laser hair removal treatments tailored specifically to your needs and goals. Be sure to follow all instructions given for preparation for each session as failure to do so could negatively impact results; for instance, avoid plucking or waxing the area that needs treatment six weeks prior to starting as the laser targets follicles during an active growth phase and thus plucking or waxing disrupts this cycle.
Before your laser appointment, it is also recommended to shave the area being treated. This will ensure that hair follicles are as short as possible and thus more responsive to laser therapy’s effects. Furthermore, it’s wise to limit sun exposure both before and after your session as prolonged sun damage may cause discoloration of skin tissue.
Select a clinic with experienced, qualified personnel. Make sure that the technicians possess enough experience with laser hair removal as well as being certified in your specific skin type. A clinic that uses only state-of-the-art medical aesthetic technologies is another important factor when choosing where you will receive treatments and achieve desired results and safety.
The Treatment
Once you decide to pursue laser treatment, your therapist will explain exactly what will occur and answer any remaining questions that you might have. They’ll also allow for you to ask any other pertinent queries that arise during treatment.
Your therapist may request that, depending on the area being treated, you refrain from applying topical products a day or two prior to beginning treatment. Make sure the area is clear of fake tan so the machine can properly target melanin for maximum efficacy and maximum results for yourself.
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive, safe and quick procedure; however, minor side effects may arise such as redness, swelling and pigment changes; however, these risks are minimized if your therapist uses the appropriate laser machine for your skin type.
An effective way of finding a trustworthy laser therapist is to research their clinic’s website. Verify whether there is a doctor on staff and do not allow other members of their staff to perform treatments; this will reduce mistakes being made and increase your chance of achieving the results that you want.
Make sure that the laser machine meets a high standard by verifying its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in your country. Take the time to research its make and model to understand how it operates.
Before your initial laser hair removal treatment session, your therapist should discuss the length and cost of treatments with you and address any queries that arise. If the provider seems intent on trying to sell something that doesn’t meet your requirements or fails to disclose all risks involved adequately, then perhaps another provider is best.
Your therapist will also go over the preparation orders that will need to be followed in the days leading up to and following laser treatments, in order to achieve smooth skin with minimum risk. It’s vitally important that you follow these instructions exactly, since improper preparation could result in permanent skin damage; sunscreen with an SPF rating greater than 30 is also a must as UVA and UVB rays may lead to hyperpigmentation post laser therapy treatments.
The Aftercare
Consultation sessions of laser hair removal allow technicians to assess if you are an appropriate candidate. You’ll discuss your medical history, skin and hair type, desired aesthetic goals and desired timeline of sessions that will lead to optimal results.
Even though price can be an attractive selling point for laser hair removal services, experience and safety should take precedence over price comparison. Make sure the technician is licensed by your state to practice safely, using high-quality devices that deliver optimal results.
Before scheduling your initial appointment, it’s wise to conduct research on all of the clinics and technicians available in your area. Read reviews online as well as ask family and friends for their experiences with local providers. Also pay close attention to how you’re welcomed upon arrival as this can tell a lot about what kind of experience lies ahead on your quest to permanently eliminate unwanted hair.
Prior to your laser hair removal session, it’s essential that you avoid waxing or plucking any areas where laser hair removal will be conducted, as these actions could leave your skin without enough hair shafts for the laser to latch onto. Shaving is still permitted; just ensure it uses an anti-microbial blade.
At your session, you will be required to wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from laser light. Your specialist may apply topical anesthetic beforehand in order to minimize discomfort if necessary; during treatment itself you may feel heat or tingling sensations; this is normal and will usually go away within an hour after your appointment has completed.
After treatment, it’s advisable to give yourself time and let your skin recuperate. Limit sun exposure by always applying high SPF sunscreen; additionally use skin calming, fragrance-free moisturizers for added comfort in this area.
The Maintenance
Once your package of laser hair removal sessions have been completed, it’s time to initiate an ongoing program of treatments. The number of sessions may differ depending on factors like your location of treatment area, thickness and color of the hair and its natural growth cycle.
At your consultation stage, your laser treatment technician will discuss with you how many sessions will be necessary to reach the results that you desire. They will explain this based on factors like skin tone and hair color as well as any hormonal influences which might impede its success.
Prep orders should be strictly observed prior to and post each laser treatment session. This includes using over-the-counter topical numbing cream and not plucking or waxing the area prior to your appointment – failure to do this could impede results and make laser therapy ineffective or harmful.
After your laser treatment, your skin may feel similar to it has had sunburn for a few hours following. If redness or irritation develops in this area, use a cool compress to soothe any discomfort and stop using hot tubs and steamy showers since these could further irritate or burn the affected areas. It’s also wise to stay clear from hot tubs and steamy showers post treatment as these could increase risk for burns in that region.
After attending several sessions of laser hair removal, many clients report an 80% or greater decrease in unwanted hair growth. It is an ideal solution for those tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking body hairs themselves.
When selecting a clinic for laser hair removal, ensure they are licensed and experienced. Their staff should also be knowledgeable of all of the latest healthcare developments as well as dedicated to your safety and satisfaction – if any concerns or queries arise during their consultation appointment make sure you raise them!
