How to Prepare Your Skin for Laser Hair Removal
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking unwanted hair, then laser hair removal could be the answer for you. Treatment is relatively painless, and with repeated procedures, your unwanted hair could be gone for good. For the best results, it’s important to stick to your cosmetic surgeon’s pre-treatment plan for you. Here are some of the things you can do to get ready for laser hair removal:
- Avoid Waxing and Plucking
Waxing and plucking interferes with the success of laser hair removal. Your cosmetic surgeon will tell you how long you need to abstain from waxing and plucking, but typically you will need to avoid these activities for two to four weeks prior to treatment. Usually, you will be able to shave during this time, but your surgeon may advise you to stop shaving a few days before laser hair removal.
- Clean The Area to be Treated
On the day of the procedure, be sure to thoroughly cleanse the area to be treated. Don’t apply lotions or deodorant, as they may make the laser less effective. If you’re having laser treatment on your face, be sure to avoid cosmetics on the day of the procedure.
- Take Medication as Directed
Your cosmetic surgeon may recommend that you take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication an hour before your procedure to help with any discomfort. He may also recommend a lidocaine numbing spray. Be sure to take only what your surgeon advises you to take or to alert him of medications you’ve taken aside from his recommendations.
- Stop Tanning
Laser hair removal is most effective on light skin tones and can discolor tanned skin. Your cosmetic surgeon will tell you when you should start avoiding the sun and can recommend a sunscreen to wear until the day of your treatment. "This is one of the most important instructions that we can give to patients", says Dr. Joseph Perlman, a board-certified plastic surgeon. "Patients need to understand that the pigment in your skin will pick up the laser energy so that it will be less effective in treating the hair follicles and could also burn the skin"
- Laser hair reduction
The laser is only effective when hair follicles are in the growth phase which is about 25% of the time. Since hair follicles are not in the same phase simultaneously, it will take 3-5 treatments to effectively reduce the hair. In addition, hair coarseness and location will also determine the timing of your treatments.
To get rid of unwanted hair and prepare for your procedure, contact the team at Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre in Houston. In addition to laser hair removal, we offer a range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including face lifts, breast lifts, and liposuction. Call us at (281) 394-4167 to schedule an appointment.
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