Questions You Want Answered Prior To Laser Hair Removal

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt, And What Are The Side Effects?

Have you been waxing or epilating the hairs you would like to have removed permanently thus far? If you have, the pain level you'll experience when you go for your laser hair removal sessions will not surprise you in the least. You may even find that laser hair removal hurts less than your normal hair removal technique!

If, however, shaving has been your go-to hair removal method all along, you may find laser treatment slightly uncomfortable. You're likely to experience a zapping sensation that feels unpleasant but not downright painful.

How To Prepare For Your Laser Hair Removal Sessions

Prior to your first and subsequent hair removal treatments, you will need to follow your dermatologist's instructions to the letter. They'll typically include:

• Not engaging in any form of hair removal, including shaving, six weeks prior to treatment. In order for the roots of your hair to be targeted properly by the laser, they need to be present!
• Not tanning or using fake tan for six weeks prior to treatment. The lighter your skin is during your sessions, the easier the treatment will be. People having facial hair removed should be very diligent about using sunscreen with an SPF instructed by their dermatologist prior to treatment.
• Taking antibiotics and/or antiviral medications prior to treatment in accordance with your doctor's instructions.
• Wearing loose clothing made of natural fibers when you head to your appointments.

What To Expect During And After Laser Hair Removal

When you arrive at your appointment, your skin will be cleaned and your hairs trimmed down to the length of a few milimeters. You will be given special glasses to wear during the session to protect your eyes and the laser will be adjusted to your particular pigment before the session begins. You may be offered an anesthetic cream. Having your back or legs treated will take the longest: up to an hour and a half. Smaller areas of skin may take as little as 10 minutes to cover in a single session.

After your hair removal session, you can expect — depending on the type of laser used — to see some redness, inflammation, and blistering. There may be a slight change in the pigment of the treated area of skin, which should be temporary if the right laser was chosen. Again, follow your dermatologist's instructions and apply ointments and cool compresses.

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Will I Be Hair Free Forever After Completing The Recommended Amount Of Sessions?

The results you will get with laser hair removal treatment are immediately apparent. With each session, you'll be increasingly smooth and will notice that less and less hair grows back. Will you be completely hair free forever, though? You may not be. Most hair removal lasers remove up to 90 percent of hair on the covered area permanently, while a remaining 10 percent can periodically grow back. It is for this reason that most dermatologists will recommend an annual maintenance treatment, which you may or may not find you need.