If you are tired of the upkeep involved with removing face or body hair, you may be an excellent candidate for laser hair removal. Using pulses of laser energy, Dr. Mune Gowda and our team can permanently disable hair follicles, leaving you with stubble-free skin.
Here, we share our best tips to make your laser hair removal experience as smooth as possible.
Before Laser Hair Removal
- For at least two weeks leading up to your appointment, discontinue the use of any self-tanning or spray-tanning products.
- For a few days prior to your appointment, avoid direct sun exposure. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outside.
- In the days immediately prior to your appointment, use gentle cleansers. Avoid using any harsh products or products that could lead to photosensitivity. (This includes retinols and salicylic acid-based products.)
- Approximately 24 hours before your appointment, shave the area(s) to be lasered.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol the day before and the day of your appointment.
- On the day of your appointment, do not apply lotions, creams or other topical products (i.e., deodorant, cosmetics) to the area(s) to be lasered. Come to your appointment with clean skin.
After Laser Hair Removal
- If you develop redness, irritation or swelling in the treated area(s), apply aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream to the skin. Ice packs or cold towels can also be used to alleviate irritation or discomfort.
- Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin if it feels irritated.
- Avoid exposing the treated skin to excessive heat for at least the first 24 hours after treatment. Refrain from using Jacuzzis or saunas or completing any strenuous workouts.
- You can bathe right after treatment, but make sure the temperature of the water is not extremely hot. When drying off after a bath or shower, avoid scrubbing at the treated skin. Instead, pat dry.
- Refrain from applying makeup, lotions, creams or deodorant to the treated skin for at least 24 hours after your appointment.
- Do not expose the lasered areas to the sun or tanning beds. Always protect your skin with sunscreen.
- Do not worry if one appointment does not get rid of all of the unwanted hair. Because hair grows in cycles, several treatments are needed to get the best results.
- If you are in between appointments, refrain from waxing, tweezing, epilating or using depilatory products on the treated area(s). You may shave.
Dr. Gowda and our team are committed to making laser hair removal a safe and successful process for you. If you have any questions about the pre- or post-treatment tips outlined in this post, do not hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. You can reach our Novi office at (248) 305-8400 or our Troy office at (248) 530-0000.