When considering laser hair removal, it pays to do your homework. Many products and providers promise to keep unwanted hair away, leaving you with permanently smooth, maintenance-free skin. But it’s crucial to study the facts before diving into a treatment that might not be right for you.
There are many advantages to having laser treatment beyond hair removal. If you tend to have ingrown hairs that aggravate your skin or cause hyperpigmentation, it can help these issues as well. Hair removal options seem virtually endless, from shaving to waxing and tweezing, but laser treatment offers longer-lasting results.
As with any cosmetic treatment, it is critical to do thorough research on the pros and cons before deciding which one is best for your concerns. Also, you might need to take a few steps to prepare for a smooth laser experience. Here are some essential facts you may need to know.
The Process Is Less Painful Than Other Options
Laser treatment sends light to the area, which converts to heat, damaging the hair follicle and its bulb. Most patients report a brief pinching sensation that appears more painful on thin skin found near the chin, nose, and temples. If you need something to compare it to, it significantly less painful than tweezing or a wax. The laser technology has a built-in cooling mechanism that helps manage any discomfort.
Patience Is a Virtue
Results are not immediate. It will take a week or two after your first session to see any results. Then, after eight to 12 sessions, you will enjoy the full benefits. Make your appointments regularly, because hair follicles need treatment in different stages of the growth cycle.
Laser treatments get at the root of the problem by targeting hair follicles while they are in the active growth stage. You may find hair less noticeable after one treatment, but you will need a series of sessions for optimal results.
Prepare Before Treatment
Making the right preparations is also critical for the best results. Here are some pivotal things to remember:
- Don’t tweeze, pluck, or wax the treatment site before or between sessions.
- Cleanly shave the area within 24 hours before your appointment. Use a blade, not an electric razor.
- Ensure the treatment area is clean and free from makeup, deodorant, and sunscreen.
- Avoid sun exposure or tanning four weeks before treatment.
- Stay away from fake tanning products for three to four weeks before each session.
Treatment Sessions Are Quick
Treatments are relatively quick. A full-face session only takes 20 minutes, including makeup removal at the start. Needing to reapply makeup afterward is a small price to pay for a smooth, soft skin surface.
Plan to Stay Away From the Sun
Sun exposure is not wise before, during, and for some time, after your treatment sessions. If you currently have a tan, you’ll have to wait for it to fade. Plan your appointments accordingly, avoiding occasions when you’d usually spend long periods outside.
To learn more about laser hair removal, call us at 860-676-2473 or contact us today for your consultation.