What to Expect? The Step-by-Step Procedure During a Laser Hair Removal Session

1. Initial Consultation

Before your first treatment, you’ll have a consultation with a certified technician. This session involves:

• Discussing your medical history and any medications you’re taking.
• Evaluating your skin type and hair type to determine the most effective laser settings.
• Reviewing the areas you want to be treated and setting realistic expectations for results.
• Explaining the procedure, potential side effects, and post-treatment care.

2. Pre-Treatment Preparation

To prepare for your laser hair removal session:

• Shave the treatment area 24-48 hours before your appointment to ensure the laser can effectively target hair follicles.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks prior to your treatment.
• Refrain from using any skin care products that contain retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids for a few days before your session.
• Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams in the treatment area for at least four weeks before the procedure.

3. Arrival and Preparation

On the day of your session:

• Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, lotions, or deodorant on the treatment area.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid irritation after the treatment.

4. Preparing the Treatment Area

The technician will:

• Cleanse the treatment area to remove any oils or residues.

5. Eye Protection

You and the technician will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light.

6. The Laser Treatment

• The technician will use a handheld laser device to deliver pulses of light to the treatment area. The sensation can vary from person to person, often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
• The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicles, heating them to inhibit future growth.
• The duration of the session depends on the size of the treatment area, ranging from a few minutes for small areas like the upper lip to an hour or more for larger areas like the legs or back.

7. Cooling and Soothing

After the laser treatment:

• Aloe vera gel or a soothing lotion may be applied to reduce any redness or swelling.

8. Post-Treatment Care

To ensure the best results and minimize side effects:

• Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen with a high SPF on the treated area.
• Refrain from hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for 24-48 hours after the treatment.
• Avoid picking or scratching the treated area.
• Follow any additional post-care instructions provided by your technician.

9. Follow-Up Appointments

Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Your technician will recommend a treatment schedule, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the area being treated and your hair growth cycle.

Understanding the step-by-step process of a laser hair removal session can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. By following pre-treatment and post-treatment guidelines, you can achieve the best possible results. If you have any questions or are ready to book your first session, contact our clinic today!