Dos and Don’ts of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular option among people looking to rid themselves of unwanted facial and bodily hair. In order to ensure that your laser hair removal experience is positive, Dr. Ulysses Agpaoa, medical director at New Jersey’s Hudson Laser Skin Care, offers the following guide to what you should and should not do before and after laser hair removal:

Do - Come in for your first visit with full hair growth so that your treatment administrator can evaluate the texture and growth of the hair. This will increase your chances of having laser hair removal work.

Don’t - Pluck or wax those unwanted hair areas for at least a month before the procedure. Doing so will only render the treatment ineffective.

Do – Talk to your medical spa doctor about any pre-existing conditions that might affect the outcome of your laser hair removal. Certain hormonal conditions might play a role in the treatment’s ultimate success. It is also wise to tell your doctor about any acne or skin treatments that you might have recently undergone. Certain acne creams contain chemicals that cannot be safely combined with laser treatment. So for your own protection, be prepared to share all the facts.

Don’t – Schedule your initial visit right smack in the middle of the summer. Laser hair removal cannot be performed on people with suntans, which are more likely to occur during those summer months. Additionally, laser hair removal makes the skin extremely susceptible to sunburn, so the less sun exposure you’re faced with, and the better your chances of coming away unscathed.

Do – Arrive at your appointment dressed in enough gear to shield your body from the sun immediately following the procedure. Arms and legs can be easily covered up with clothing. But if you’re having the treatment done on your face, then be sure to bring a hat that offers some degree of protection,

Don’t – Show up to your first laser hair removal session wearing makeup or any type of skin lotion. The cleaner your skin, the better your results are likely to be.

Do – Follow the instructions that you are given for post-procedural care. In the event that you do experience some discomfort following laser hair removal, you can soothe the affected areas by applying cold compresses. Avoid harsh creams, lotions, and makeup for at least 24 hours after the procedure, and avoid saunas and hot tubs.

Don’t - Wax, pluck, or use any type of hair removal cream while you are undergoing laser hair removal treatment. To combat hair growth in between sessions, shaving is permissible, as it does not remove or affect the hair follicle. Any failure to adhere to these instructions can result in unsuccessful treatment.

Do – Call your medical spa and ask to speak to the doctor if you have any concerns or experience an unexpected reaction following the procedure. The benefit of having laser hair removal performed at a medical spa is the medical supervision of a doctor coupled with the support of a knowledgeable staff. If something doesn’t feel right to you, then reach out to the people who are in a position to help.

Don’t – Miss a session once you have started treatment. Laser hair removal is a process, so you’ll need to commit to a schedule of follow-up visits in order for the procedure to actually work. Be sure to notify your treatment administrator of any scheduled vacations or travel plans to ensure that timing will not be a problem.

Laser hair removal isn’t easy, nor is it cheap. So in order to make the most of the procedure, it is important that you pay attention to the various rules involved. By following the above-listed guidelines, you can do your part to ensure that your laser hair removal treatment is successful.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.