About Laser Hair Removal Recovery

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By Carole Vansickle
eHow Contributing Writer

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If you prepare properly, laser hair removal can be a simple and relatively painless process. However, since the procedure is literally the mass destruction of hair follicles, you do need to understand exactly how to care for your skin after the laser hair removal process is complete. In order to make a quick and cosmetically pleasing recovery, understand exactly what is involved in the "post-op" procedure.

History

In ancient Egypt, no one in the royal family could have a single hair on their body.
People have been plucking, shaving and waxing hair since the time of the early Egyptians. While the trend did experience a reversal in the European courts when Maria de Medici forbade her ladies in waiting to pluck or shave their body hair, for the most part smooth skin has always been in demand. With laser hair removal, you trade one to three rather grueling treatments for a lifetime of smooth skin and never having to shave again. However, the process can be difficult to recover from if you do not take all appropriate precautions.

Function

Laser hair removal is the destruction of hair follicles with a laser. The tiny laser literally burns the hair follicle beyond repair so that no more hair can be produced from that follicle. The recovery process is simply the amount of time that it takes the tiny burn to heal.

Effects

During the recovery process, your skin may feel and look red and irritated. The areas around your hair follicles may be swollen or puffy. Some patients actually incur bruising and purpura, dark purple marks at the site of the follicles, during recovery. These should be monitored but are generally not a problem in the long term.

Time Frame

Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately after laser hair removal. The most noticeable signs of the procedure will be flushed skin. However, some people continue to complain of pain at the hair follicle sites and to experience redness and burning--much like a sunburn--for as long as 72 hours.

Prevention/Solution

There are several ways to alleviate the symptoms that accompany laser hair removal. You can speed the recovery process with cold compresses and by moisturizing the affected areas of skin. You should also avoid shaving and antibacterial soaps unless your doctor recommends otherwise. If the area continues to hurt, consult your doctor to make sure that you have not contracted an infection.

Warning

Laser hair removal has great long-term effects, but you should be aware that the procedure has not been around long enough to have comprehensive studies on how this cosmetic procedure affects the health of your skin long-term. If you choose to have laser hair removal, use a professional rather than doing it at home. If you make an error, you could damage your skin and even scar yourself for life.