Preparation is important before any medical procedure, and laser hair reduction is no exception. You can help to make sure that your procedure goes well by doing just a few simple things to prepare.
You should try to make sure that your skin and hair follicles are ready before the treatment. Having a tan makes the procedure more difficult and increases the risk of side effects, so you should avoid all natural and artificial tanning, including sunless tanners, before your hair reduction treatment. Be sure to use sunscreen if you cannot avoid spending a long time out in bright sunlight (this is a good rule to follow even if you aren’t getting laser hair treatments, as all tans are sun damage that can age you prematurely and put you at risk of skin cancer).
Similarly, you should avoid waxing and plucking your hair in the treatment area for several weeks before the procedure takes place. Waxing and plucking can make the hair follicles less receptive to the laser treatment, which can make the treatment significantly less effective. Shaving does not disturb the hair follicles in the same way, so shaving in the time leading up to the procedure will not cause any problems. You should be sure to shave the treatment area one or two days before the procedure, because long hair can make the treatment more painful.
Be sure to avoid wearing any cosmetics on the treatment area on the day of the procedure. Cosmetics, lotions, and other substances on the treatment site will interfere with the procedure, so be sure to clean the area thoroughly before the procedure.
Finally, be sure to dress appropriately. Wear loose clothing, and leave the treatment site uncovered if possible. A topical numbing cream is available, often with an additional charge and by request, but can damage sensitive clothing. Furthermore, your skin will be sensitive after the procedure, and wearing tight clothes can cause irritation.
Always remember that preparation is the key to a successful treatment. Be sure to follow all of your instructions carefully to ensure a quick and easy procedure. Note that the above information is merely a guideline, and that our staff will give you instructions specific to your needs that you should follow prior to your laser hair reduction treatments.
