How to Prepare Yourself for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is performed to remove hair from problem areas and to prevent it from growing back for a longer period than shaving alone. This is done by the transformation of the light energy of the laser into heat when it meets your skin, which literally burns the follicles away beneath the skin. This causes them to take longer to grow back. The procedure is generally painless, though a topical anesthetic is offered to those who have particularly sensitive skin. With multiple treatments, the results become permanent. As with any procedure, you must prepare yourself before each laser hair removal treatment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss the procedure and weigh the risks and benefits with a qualified clinician ahead of time. As with any medical or potentially dangerous procedure, it is important to be aware of what exactly is involved and what exactly could potentially go wrong. Some people respond better to laser hair removal, and you will want to address this first.

2. 
    

   Allow any tan you may have, whether it is from natural or artificial means, to fade completely before your laser hair removal treatment. Ideally, you should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for several weeks before your first treatment. This is done to reduce the risk of complications.

3. 
    

   Shave the areas to be treated a day or so before your laser hair removal session. The object of the procedure is to burn away the follicles beneath the skin, so excess hair above the surface will reduce its effectiveness. You may also use a mild depilatory, if that is your preferred method.

4. Avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis, however. Again, this is done to reduce the risk of complications following your laser hair removal session and to ensure that the session will be as effective as possible.

5. 
    

   Follow any additional instructions the clinician may have given you. In some cases, the person will be asked to take an oral antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.

Tips & Warnings

• It usually takes several sessions before the effects of your laser hair removal become permanent. Each session only affects follicles that are actively growing at the time, and not all of them are active at once.
• The pigment of your skin, as well as the color and texture of your hair can affect how effective the treatment is. There needs to be a significant difference between hair and skin color for it to be effective.
• Peach fuzz is generally unresponsive to treatments. Electrolysis will remove it, but it has its own benefits and risks to consider.

[psychonurse]

on 2/18/2009 I found this only a temporary measure, and invested the time and money into electrolysis and need only a couple of 15 minute "tune-ups" a year!

[showpup]

on 2/18/2009 This is something I truly want to have done. So jealous of my aunt. She shaved her legs one time as a teenager and the hair NEVER grew back! She's in her late 60's now. Ahhh... to have that gene! 5 stars

[JIN1128]

on 2/17/2009 Great article on laser hair removal.