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Step 1
Before you begin, you must know what laser hair removal is.
With the use of lasers (via a hand-held device), hair is removed permanently using wavelengths of light. The device is placed on the skin and the light is directed into the skin, targeting hair follicles. This light causes thermal damage to the hair follicle, destroying it.The hair follicle never grows back.
A topical anesthetic is often used to minimize any pain. -
Step 2
Find out if you are an ideal candidate for such a procedure.
Some conditions that may exclude you from having the procedure done are pregnancy, diabetes, a heart condition or a skin disorder. -
Step 3
Find out the safety requirements that the clinic needs to conform to meet FDA standards.
The federal Food and Drug Administration has approved certain equipment used in laser removal. However, the FDA does not keep an up-to-date list of equipment approved, as it constantly changes.
To find out if the equipment used by a clinic is approved, you have to contact the FDA with details of the equipment. Contact details are available by follow the FDA link in the references section of this article. -
Step 4
Find out what preoperative and postoperative care is required for safe laser hair removal.
Preoperative care usually begins about six weeks before the procedure, so plan ahead. You must avoid exposure to the sun, use sunblock to protect your skin and stop plucking or removing your hair by any method.
Postoperative care may require the following: using ice packs to reduce swelling, no pricking or scratching the areas, using sunblock, avoiding sun exposure, temporarily going without makeup for after the procedure, and using antibiotics and antiviral medication if skin damage occurs. -
Step 1
In addition to asking friends and family members for recommendations on where they've gone for laser hair removal, check the telephone directory.
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Step 2
Your local newspaper, magazines or trade journals specializing in fashion or health and fitness may have advertisements for laser hair removal clinics.
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Step 3
Don't forget the Internet. It is a valuable resource for advertising laser hair removal clinics. One advantage of the Internet is that you can usually see photos of the laser hair removal clinic before visiting.
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Step 1
Chose a few clinics to visit and make an appointment with a laser hair removal consultant to discuss your needs.
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Step 2
When visiting laser hair removal clinics, check for cleanliness. Sloppy cleaning may indicate the clinic's staff cuts corners during procedures.
Ask and check whether all equipment used for laser hair removal is sterile and what the sterilization processes are. -
Step 3
Be sure to find out details about the equipment a clinic uses. Verify that the equipment is approved by the FDA. A reputable clinic should give you this information willingly. Be suspicious if a clinic's staff does not know the type of equipment being used or if they are reluctant to give the information to you.
Find out what type and amounts of topical anesthetics are used. This is very important. You should speak to your family doctor regarding these drugs. There have been reports of life-threatening side effects from inappropriate use of anesthetics by laser hair removal clinics. -
Step 4
Ask the clinic for recommendations from satisfied laser hair removal clients. A clinic with a good reputation should have a list of clients who are willing to talk about their experience at the clinic.
Ask the clinic if they have had complications with any procedures and how these complications were dealt with. -
Step 5
Evaluate all the clinics you have chosen. Choose one that answers all of your questions favorably and uses the proper equipment. If you are still concerned about the safety of the clinic you've chosen, don't be rushed. Keep looking.
