Laser Hair Removal: Things to Know Before Treatment

We all have body hair we wish we did not have, and therefore spend hours of our life shaving, waxing, tweezing, or plucking them. Unfortunately, the results of these hair removal methods are short-lived, keeping us in a vicious cycle. But thanks to innovations like laser hair removal, you can now enjoy extended periods of hair-free skin. Besides helping remove unwanted hairs, laser hair removal helps with ingrown hairs, a common cause of hyperpigmentation. Here are some of the things your Houston, TX medspa provider may discuss with you before laser hair removal.

You will experience some discomfort during the treatment

Previous patients who have undergone laser hair removal always say it feels like tiny rubber bands hitting the skin. And according to specialists, it is a pretty hot, sharp zap. But you are most likely to experience this in areas with thick and dense hair, including underarms, bikini lines, and lower legs. Areas with thin skin, including the upper lip, nose, and temple, can also be painful during treatment.

However, most lasers have cooling effects like cold spray or cold air; this helps to reduce the sensation of warm pricks. Some providers apply topical numbing cream on their patients to minimize discomfort. Even better, areas like the arms and upper legs where hair is not dense may only feel slightly warm during laser hair removal.

Results are not instant

If you are considering laser hair removal, it is best to have realistic expectations. For example, don’t expect to have hair-free skin immediately after your first treatment session. It takes about two to three weeks to see a difference and up to 12 treatments for optimal results. Additionally, you should be regular with your appointments since hair follicles are usually at different growth stages. Therefore, being consistent with your appointments ensures that each follicle has a chance to get zapped. Usually, lasers target the hair that is in its active growth stage. Your hair may appear finer and less noticeable after one treatment, but you need multiple treatments to get the full result.

Shave before you go

Providers recommend that clients shave their hair 24 hours before their appointment; you don’t want to have that burnt hair smell during treatment. There is a common myth that shaving results in thicker darker hair, but this is far from the truth. Shaving your hair before treatment makes treatment easier and more comfortable. While specialists recommend shaving, you want to avoid waxing, plucking, or tweezing your hair before treatment. Besides irritating your follicles, these hair removal methods make treatment less effective.

Choose a board-certified dermatologist.

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that should be offered by a specialist or under the supervision of one. Be wary of spas and salons that perform this procedure; laser hair removal may result in burns and hyperpigmentation when in inexperienced hands. For this reason, your best bet is to go to a board-certified dermatologist.

Also, working with a dermatologist improves your hair-reduction results. You will need lesser treatments because a specialist customizes the laser settings based on your skin and hair type.

If you are tired of regular shaving, book an appointment with your dermatologist at The Total You Medical Spa for laser hair removal.