Laser hair removal is a modern method of permanent hair reduction. It offers a viable long term alternative to other hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.
Many patients are put off trying laser hair removal as they do not understand what the procedure involves. This article will attempt to explain what happens before, during and immediately after laser hair removal.
Prior to an appointment for laser hair removal most reputable clinics require their patients to attend for a small patch test. This is to attempt to screen for any adverse reactions before attempting to laser a larger area. Once suitability for treatment is established the first appointment will be booked.
Many clinics require patients to shave the hair to be treated prior to lasering. Clinics vary, but generally require patients to shave one to two days before treatment. Some clinics do not require this as they prefer to shave the patient's hair themselves to get it to the ideal length for treatment.
Approximately one hour before your appointment it is advisable to take a mild painkiller. Whilst this is by no means compulsory it can be advantageous for patients with sensitive skin to lessen any discomfort felt. For patients who have a particularly low pain threshold it may be advisable to call the clinic and request that they provide a numbing anaesthetic cream before treatment, if available. These creams can take some time to work so you may be required to arrive up to an hour early for your appointment if you wish to use this method of pain relief.
On arrival at the clinic you will be provided with eye protection to protect the eyes from the effects of the laser and will be talked through the procedure.
The treatment will probably commence by using the laser on a small patch of hair initially. This area will then be examined closely by the operator to check for any adverse reaction. You will also be consulted as to the level of discomfort you are experiencing. The laser is fired in pulses that make a very short smacking sound. Most patients liken the sensation of treatment as similar to the flicking of rubber bands against the skin and describe it less as pain than as uncomfortable.
The length of time that treatment takes will be dependent upon the size of the area that requires lasering. Very small areas may take only a few minutes whilst larger areas such as full legs or back can take up to two hours to treat. Treatment time does not usually go beyond this as it becomes too uncomfortable for the patient.
After treatment you may be offered ice or other methods of cooling the skin. This is both to reduce any discomfort and to minimize any redness and swelling that may have arisen as a result of treatment.
After treatment you will be asked not to wax or pluck the areas that have been treated. You will also be asked to attend the clinic for additional sessions. Whilst different clinics and different lasers require differing amounts of time between treatments, on average you will be asked to return between 4-6 weeks after the first treatment. Some clinics ask simply that you return when regrowth appears to ensure that the hair is in the active phase whilst it is treated.
The number of sessions required to achieve a permanent reduction in the hair varies from patient to patient and also according to the area to be treated. Patients with darker skin and lighter hair generally require more sessions than patients with light skin and dark hair.
If you have any additional concerns about the laser hair removal process you should contact the clinic from whom you are seeking treatment. They will be offer you advice tailored to your own situation and to the machines and methods that they use.
Rachel North is an internationally published health and beauty writer. Please click the following links for more information about laserhairremovalcostreview.com/risks-associated-with-laser-hair-removal laser hair removal risks or for a laserhairremovalcostreview.com laser hair removal cost guide.
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