This article was co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD. Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Undergoing laser hair removal is the only way to permanently reduce or eliminate hair growth. Excessive hair growth in unwanted areas can be due to genetics or medical conditions. Laser hair removal is commonly used to remove unwanted hair on the face, neck, armpits, chest, back, genital area, arms, legs, fingers, toes and feet.[1] Prior to a laser treatment, you should have a consultation with a dermatologist to learn about the process, the side effects and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, based on hair color, skin tone and hair characteristics. This article discusses the typical pre-treatment instructions that will help you to prepare for laser hair removal.
Steps
Preparing for the Appointment
Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least a month to prepare for laser hair removal. The skin should be as light as possible at the time of treatment.[2] For this reason, many people choose to undergo laser treatment during winter.- Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 if you do need to spend time outdoors,[3] and the area you wish to have hair removed by laser will be exposed to UVA/UVB rays.
Refrain from plucking or waxing your skin.[4] Shaving is fine, but these other hair removal techniques can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Also, the hair should not be bleached.
Take oral antiviral medication or oral antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor.
Clean the skin at the treatment site. Leave it free of cosmetics, lotions and creams. If you apply deodorant, it will be removed prior to treatment.[7][8]Advertisement
During the Appointment
Wear clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or is loose fitting. The treated area may have a soothing topical cream applied that you don't want to get on clothing. Tight or abrasive clothing will feel uncomfortable if the skin is sensitive after treatment.
Expect the laser technician to apply a topical anesthetic cream or a warm compress prior to treatment.[9] The technician may also shave the area.
Put on the protective eyewear.[10]Advertisement
What Are The Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat should you not do before laser hair removal?
Kaveri Karhade, MDDr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Board Certified DermatologistTry not to use retinoids for 1-2 weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. - QuestionWhat happens if you get laser after tanning?Kaveri Karhade, MDDr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Board Certified DermatologistTanned skin is more likely to develop hyperpigmentation after laser treatment. With this in mind, make sure that you aren't tanned on the day of your appointment. - QuestionAre there any restrictions before laser hair removal?
Melissa JannesMelissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax EducatorSteer clear of tanning and sunless tanners for at least a month—this way, your skin is as light as possible. Try not to bleach, pluck, or wax your hair, either.
Video
Tips
- Be sure to tell the laser technician if you begin to experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment.Thanks
- Dark hair combined with light skin responds best to laser hair removal. Special lasers can be used on dark-skinned people, and topical treatments may increase the effectiveness of laser hair removal on people with gray or light-colored hair. Shave areas to be treated up to four weeks prior to first laser hair removal treatment.Thanks
Warnings
- It is important to follow the laser hair removal pre treatment instructions precisely to ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment and to minimize discomfort during the procedure.Thanks
- Complete hair removal on an area of the body is not likely in a single treatment. Hair growth occurs in stages, and laser hair removal only works on hair that is in the active growth stage. Hair reduction of 10-25 percent per treatment is a realistic expectation.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/laser-hair-removal
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
- ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/whats-it-like-to-get-laser-hair-removal
- ↑ Kaveri Karhade, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 11 January 2021.
- ↑ https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/tips-before-and-after-laser-hair-removal/
- ↑ Kaveri Karhade, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 11 January 2021.
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/laser-hair-removal-guide
About this article
To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid tanning or using sunless tanners for at least a month prior to your appointment so your skin is as light as possible. Additionally, don't shave less than 24 hours before your appointment, and avoid other hair removal techniques, like plucking or waxing, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should also avoid using any cosmetics, lotions, creams, or deodorants on the treatment site the day of the hair removal since the technician will need your skin to be completely clean. To learn how dress for your laser hair treatment appointment, keep reading!
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