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Email UpdatesLaser Hair Removal: Tips For First-Timers
You’ve finally decided you want to go for laser hair removal. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get through your very first laser hair removal appointment.
Before scheduling your laser hair removal, meet with your doctor to discuss whether the procedure is likely to work well for you. This meeting generally includes your medical history, taking of photographs (for pre- and post-procedure assessments) and a discussion of benefits and risks. Talk about pain prevention with your laser hair removal clinic and more importantly, choose the best option for you.
You may feel both excited and nervous, but don’t worry. Just follow these tips:
Weeks in advance
Avoid sun exposure four to six weeks before treatment. If you have a tan, you must wait until it fades completely. A tan increases your risk of side effects such as blistering and discoloration. Understand that the whiter your skin is, the more effective and long lasting the results from laser hair removal are likely to be. The treatment is most effective if the hairs on your target area are visible but shaved short. Avoid waxing, tweezing, depilation creams or plucking three weeks before treatment. These methods interfere with the root that the laser is designed to target.
A week before your appointment
If you are having laser hair removal on the face and are worried that the red skin that you’ll probably have after your treatment is going to be embarrassing, consider booking some vacation time in advance. If you’re having other areas of the body treated, no worries. You can most likely go back to your regular working schedule after your treatment.
24 hours before your treatment
The night before your treatment, shave the areas of the body you are going to have laser hair removal done on. Did you know that if you shave within 24 hours before treatment you will find the pain more tolerable? Doing this can also make the treatment more effective because less laser energy will be used in torching the hair above your skin. This means that a greater proportion of the laser energy is directed where it is most useful — the root.
The appointment day
Observe these laser hair removal precautions on the day of your appointment. Don’t apply lotion or creams before laser hair removal. Don’t apply any deodorant if you are getting your underarms treated. Just wash them with soap and rinse thoroughly. If it’s a hot day and there’s a danger you might get too sweaty, bring some unscented baby wipes along.
During the procedure
A topical local anesthetic is usually applied before the procedure to reduce any discomfort you may experience. To prevent accidental exposure of your eyes to the laser light, you can opt to wear goggles. When the laser is activated, you may feel a stinging sensation. You may also notice a strong odor of singed hair, but don’t worry because this is normal.
After the procedure
After laser hair removal, you may notice some redness, swelling and stinging within the first few hours. If you experience skin crusting, keep the area moist with petroleum jelly. Avoid exercise for the first 24 hours, as perspiration may increase irritation caused by the laser. Also, stay away from the sun for several weeks. No tanning booths either – the ultraviolet light can damage your skin. Never pick, rub or scrub the skin in treated areas. Just gently wash the area with soap and water.
For a successful laser treatment, make sure you choose a reputable laser hair removal center like the American Laser Centers. Good luck!
admin @ August 28, 2009
well describe procedure of laser treatment.nice blog to share information.
Thank you so much for the tips!
I'm getting my legs done today.