Laser hair removal is one of the most common procedures we perform here at Maine Laser Skin Care. We are able to remove unwanted hair from virtually all areas of the body.
We commonly say that many patients have asked to use laser hair removal on every part of the human body, with the notable exception of the top of the scalp. Almost everyone wants more hair to grow there, and that subject is for another blog post.
Every person who has an upcoming laser hair removal treatment should do some pre-procedure preparation to get the maximum benefit with the least amount of risk. If you are receiving this treatment and you follow the guidelines below, all will go well and you will enjoy a hair-free future in your desired area:
- Limit sun exposure to the area to be treated for at least 2 weeks before the operation. We also strongly recommend no tanning bed use.
- Shave the area to be treated about 1 to 2 days before the treatment date. However . . .
- Do not pluck, wax, or bleach the treated area hair for at least 2 weeks before treatment. The hairs that are about to be removed need to be healthy and in a growth phase for the laser treatment to be most effective.
- Discontinue any exfoliation and any irritating skin products such as Retin-A, glycolic acid, and facial peels for at least 3 days prior to treatment.
- Always inform us (i.e. any technician performing the procedure) of any medications you are taking, as some may make your skin more sensitive to laser light. We also need to know about any changes in your medications such as the addition of an antibiotic during the course of your treatment protocol.
- On the scheduled day of the procedure, do not apply makeup or other skin care products on the area to be treated. Don’t worry, though. You can put makeup and sunscreen on your skin immediately after the laser treatment.
We hope that these simple steps make your laser hair removal treatment experience as easy as possible. These guidelines will assure maximum hair removal with the least risk of side effects.
Although we do perform laser hair removal year round, fall and winter are our peak times to start as there are fewer concerns about sun exposure. Call either our Augusta office at (207) 873-2158, or our Scarborough office at (207) 303-0125 to schedule a free consultation and to get started on your hair-free journey!