At Hillandale Primary Care and Laser Care, we have put together a Laser Hair Removal Series to answer all of your questions. Here are some of the blogs addressing questions you may be interested in getting the answers before you sign up for an appointment to remove unwanted hair on your body.
In this blog, here is information about how to prepare for laser hair removal. Read more to find out.
Before laser hair removal, it is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor will likely do the following:
Here are some specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal.
By following these recommendations, you will significantly reduce the risk of experiencing side effects caused by your laser treatments. These can range from mild skin irritation to burns or discoloration. Additionally, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your laser hair removal treatments and get results that will last a lifetime.
Depending on several factors, laser hair removal can require a series of two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. The upper lip or on areas where hair grows quickly, the laser treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On the back or on areas of slow hair growth, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
To protect your eyes from the laser beam, you will be asked to wear special goggles. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. To reduce any discomfort during the treatment, the doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin.
Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects.
The laser beam passes through your skin to the hair follicles. To inhibit hair grown, the intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.
It may only take minutes to treat a small area, such as the upper lip or an hour to treat a larger area, such as the back.
For the first few hours after your laser hair removal treatment, you may notice redness and swelling.
Applying ice packs to the treated area is recommended to reduce any discomfort.
Avoid the sun or tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments.
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. The majority of people have successful experiences with laser hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color.
Contact us at 770-322-9660 to make an appointment or consultation regarding laser hair removal treatment.
Hillandale Primary Care & Laser Center is owned and operated by Dr. Saira Tariq Niaz, who is a board-certified family physician with offices in Lithonia and Lawrenceville Georgia. Hillandale Primary Care provides patient-focused, compassionate healthcare of the highest quality to each patient and delivers acute and chronic healthcare to patients of all ages. We are passionate about preventive medicine and encourage each of our patients to take an active role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Call today at 770.322-9660 or request an appointment.