Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments today. It offers people the ability to save time, stop waxing and never have to worry about forgetting to shave again. In only a few sessions, you can have baby smooth skin and say bye-bye to your old razor blades and old feelings of self-consciousness. No more razor bumps! No more accidental cuts! No more painful ingrown hairs, either! If you’ve decided to take the leap into getting your hair laser-removed, it’s important to understand what is involved with the pre and post-treatment care.
Pre-Treatment Care
Before you even start laser hair removal treatment, you need to prepare your body and the area you want to be treated. This is everything you need to do before your appointment:
The area you want to be laser-treated must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment: You must closely shave the area you want to be treated. If you show up unshaven, most providers will need to reschedule your appointment.
Do not wear any makeup, lotion or deodorant: On the day of your appointment, you are not allowed to have makeup, lotion or deodorant on the areas you want to get lasered. Doing so can cause the laser to react negatively with whatever you have on your skin, and can cause permanent damage. The area needs to be clean in order for things to go smoothly.
Stay out of direct sunlight: Stay out of direct sunlight three days prior to your appointment.
Avoid tanning products a week before your treatment: This includes self-tanner and spray-tanning products. If you had gotten spray-tan or used self-tanner previously, it is recommended that you exfoliate the affected areas to remove any residual product.
No waxing, threading or tweezing: Do not thread, wax or tweeze the area that you want to be lasered. Shaving is okay, though!
Post-Treatment Care
Some of the post-treatment care involved after the laser is similar to what you read above for pre-treatment, such as avoiding direct sunlight. You’ll want to avoid it for at least seven more days.
Take Tylenol or Advil if experiencing any discomfort post-treatment: Any over the counter medication for pain is recommended, as well as cold compresses, or aloe vera to help with discomfort due to heat.
Use at least SPF 30 or higher: This is critical when getting laser treatments, both during and after you are done.
Do not puncture blisters: If blisters appear on the treated area, do NOT puncture them. Apply antibiotic ointment until they are healed.
Do not undergo any other laser treatments or chemical procedures: For at least two weeks after your laser hair removal treatment, do not get another treatment or procedure in the same area or at least until you are undergoing the healing process.
If laser hair removal treatment is something you would be interested in, give us a call or visit our clinic in Calgary. Our certified professionals can help you through the process of laser hair removal, or answer any questions you may still have.