Silky smooth, hair-free skin with zero maintenance can be yours, thanks to laser hair removal. But before you retire your razor or cancel your next waxing appointment, make sure you have all of the facts straight about what laser hair removal entails.
In this post, Charles S. Lee, MD, and the team at Enhance® Medical Center answer the most common laser hair removal questions.
How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
Our team will give you complete instructions for preparing for laser hair removal. Most importantly, we ask that you avoid sun exposure for several weeks prior to treatment. You should also shave the selected treatment area prior to your appointment.
If you feel ill on the day of treatment or develop any type of skin infection or cold sore outbreak, we ask that you contact us to reschedule your appointment.
What will I feel during laser hair removal?
Patients sometimes describe a quick sting or the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin as the laser emits pulses of energy. This should not be painful.
We care about your experience, and will do what we can to make laser hair removal as tolerable as possible. We apply numbing cream before the treatment to reduce sensitivity. Avoiding caffeine on the day of your appointment can also help.
How long will my appointment last?
It depends on the size of the area being treated. An appointment to treat your upper lip will be much shorter than an appointment to treat your legs, arms or bikini area. When you schedule your treatment, our team can provide a time estimate.
What should I expect after laser hair removal?
A fraction of patients have mild redness, swelling or discomfort for a few days after treatment. Serious side effects from laser hair removal are very unusual when treatment is performed by a qualified provider.
Is anything off-limits after laser hair removal?
We strongly discourage you from exposing your treated skin to direct sunlight after laser hair removal. Tanning beds and other indoor tanning systems are also off-limits.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Most patients require a series of laser treatments, with each appointment spaced four to six weeks apart. Body and facial hair grows in different stages, and by scheduling several treatments, our laser hair removal experts can catch hairs in the right cycle of active growth.
Are the results permanent?
Although the results are usually permanent, yearly maintenance treatments may be necessary to keep the skin smooth and fuzz-free.
If you have additional questions about laser hair removal, our experienced team is happy to give you the information you need. Request a consultation at Enhance® Medical Center today!
