Laser hair removal can be an excellent solution to help ease the discomfort of shaving. Be sure to inquire with your technician about pain medication or numbing creams that might assist during treatment.
Avoid scheduling appointments close to when your period begins, as hormonal fluctuations will reduce pain tolerance.
Ibuprofen Thins the Blood
Ibuprofen is both a pain reliever and blood thinner. As part of a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it works by blocking certain enzymes responsible for inflammation and pain. Commonly sold under its brand name Advil, ibuprofen may be prescribed for various conditions as part of a regimen and can even be found over-the-counter products like topical gels or ointments.
Contrary to what many believe, ibuprofen does not directly reduce the body’s ability to form blood clots; however, it does have an indirect impact by decreasing platelet activity – small blood cells responsible for helping form clots in the first place.
Most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have some impact on platelet activity and blood clot formation. While this typically is not a problem for healthy individuals, this may present risks to those with preexisting conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Due to this, many doctors advise their patients not to take antidepressant medication for extended periods. If taking, follow the dosage recommendations closely and consult their healthcare provider prior to starting it.
Acetaminophen is an effective alternative to ibuprofen that does not thin the blood, while Tylenol works by blocking certain chemicals produced in your body that cause inflammation and pain, with mild blood-thinning properties; though not as potency as either ibuprofen or aspirin.
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like warfarin (Coumadin), may cause stomach ulcers, liver damage and kidney issues as side effects. Furthermore, they may increase bleeding risk among those with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).
No matter its effects on blood, ibuprofen remains an effective pain reliever for most individuals. Exceptions would include those with serious bleeding conditions or those undergoing surgery requiring blood thinners; laser hair removal treatment also necessitates blood thinners; consult your physician about this before undertaking laser hair removal treatments.
Ibuprofen Increases Bruising
Ibuprofen may thin your blood, which increases bruising and the risk of bleeding after injury. If you tend to bruise easily, you should stop taking ibuprofen at least a week before laser hair removal treatment; or speak with your physician about using another painkiller which won’t increase bruising risk.
Stop taking any over-the-counter blood-thinning medicines such as Aspirin (ASA), vitamin E or fish oils which could thinning blood. Doing so could increase bruising during and after laser hair removal sessions; it is acceptable, however, to take Tylenol as it doesn’t thin blood; however if you require Ibuprofen for chronic medical reasons do not discontinue as doing so may worsen symptoms of that condition.
Before scheduling laser hair removal appointments, it is also advisable to refrain from plucking, waxing and electrolysis for at least six weeks prior. Such methods of hair removal interfere with hair roots, rendering laser treatments less effective. In addition, use broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on areas you will treat during and between treatments.
After laser hair removal, most people experience minor bruising that resolves within days. You can accelerate this process by applying cold compresses or ice packs directly to the affected areas to reduce swelling and relieve pain more quickly.
If you are experiencing any bruising following laser hair removal, the best course of action would be to discuss them with the practitioner who performed the procedure and receive advice. If this doesn’t sit comfortably with you, or is unsettling to talk about, consider visiting your local emergency department instead for guidance and advice.
Laser hair removal should only be carried out by licensed practitioners, as untrained or unlicensed practitioners can produce unwanted results or cause serious side effects which require medical intervention such as permanent scarring.
Ibuprofen Increases the Risk of Bleeding
Ibuprofen works to thin blood by inhibiting production of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances that produce inflammation and pain in the body. If taken prior to laser hair removal, however, taking too much can increase bleeding risk, inflammation and bruise formation as it prevents blood clotting in the skin, leading to bruises. For this reason it should be avoided by those taking blood thinners such as aspirin as well as anyone suffering from peptic ulcers or bleeding disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people taking blood thinners such as aspirin should avoid taking this medication prior to laser hair removal procedures.
Instead of taking ibuprofen to alleviate pain before laser hair removal appointments, consider alternative over-the-counter pain relievers that won’t thin your blood or increase bruising like Tylenol (acetaminophen). Its processing differs in your liver so won’t have the same adverse impact on blood flow as its counterpart ibuprofen does.
Other ways to minimize discomfort before laser hair removal include getting adequate sleep the night before and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake – both of which dehydrate your body and can lower pain tolerance by dehydration. Furthermore, laser hair removal should not occur immediately prior to menstruation as changes in hormone levels may impact an individual’s pain threshold considerably.
Anyone scheduled for laser hair removal treatment must carefully follow their technician’s pre- and post-treatment instructions in order to experience minimum discomfort and obtain optimal results from their procedure. Communicating any concerns to their technician immediately is also advised – particularly in case symptoms such as fever or pus arise in response to treatment on any areas treated.
Utilizing a numbing cream and following instructions from a technician will help to minimize pain during laser hair removal. Most numbing creams contain lidocaine, which works by blocking nerve signals to the area being treated. Some creams should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to treatment in order for their full effect to take hold. In addition, skin should always be moisturized prior to going outdoors to protect it against sunburn and ensure an enjoyable experience.
Ibuprofen Increases the Risk of Irritation
Ibuprofen is a trusted over-the-counter pain reliever sold worldwide under various trade names such as Advil and Motrin. Available both as tablets and syrup forms, as well as being given intravenously during certain medical procedures, Ibuprofen can quickly provide relief from pain relief. Ibuprofen is generally well tolerated by most individuals; however, its side effects should only be taken with medical advice and guidance. Overdosage could increase your risk of stomach ulcers. These medications may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke if taken by individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease or coronary artery disease, cause kidney issues if taken over an extended period, cause skin irritation in high concentrations or for extended periods, or cause other medical problems.
Irritation is one of the primary side effects associated with taking ibuprofen, and can occur both orally and topically. It may cause your skin to feel hot, swollen, red, itchy and sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily activities requiring medical intervention in some instances. Other serious side effects may include bloody or watery diarrhea, breathing difficulties, slurred speech and loss of coordination which should prompt emergency medical help to be sought immediately if observed.
Ibuprofen should never be taken during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for anyone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as it could harm both fetuses and delivery complications. Furthermore, it should never be combined with anticoagulants or aspirin and should never be consumed right before or immediately following surgery.
Before considering laser hair removal, people should avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis because these procedures can disrupt the growth cycle of hair follicles. They should also limit sun exposure as sun light makes laser hair removal less effective and increases post-treatment irritation risks. Finally, they should inform their physician of any additional medications they are currently taking and inform them as to any changes that should occur from treatment.
