Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Before you have your laser hair removal treatment you will have already had a consultation within the laser hair removal clinic in order to:

• Determine exactly where the hairs are to be eliminated from
• Meet the clinician who will perform your treatment
• Educate yourself on the risks and the preparation and recovery of having laser hair removal

This consultation session is very important for a successful treatment, and ought not to be missed out. There are certain things that you can do to ensure your laser hair removal works as best it can, and these will be outlined to you through your consultation meeting.  As a general rule you ought to:

• Stop waxing, plucking or epilate three weeks before you have your treatment
• Not use perfume or perfumed soaps on your skin on the day of your laser hair removal
• Shave the area that is going to be treated before your treatment
• Not get sunburnt.  If you are then it will not be possible to perform your treatment. 

There may be certain things that your clinic would prefer you to do, and if this is the case then you will be informed before the day of your treatment.  It is important that you follow any advice given to you, as it can affect the result of your laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Process

How laser hair removal works and what you ought to expect will be previously discussed with you.  Basically what will happen is that:

• Your skin will be cleaned using an alcoholic wipe to ensure that it is free from any creams, lotions, deodorants or perfumes.  To help with this is it best to try not to put any on that day.  Using the alcohol also helps to prevent any infection from setting in, as it ensures that the area is clean and free from any potentially problematic dirt particles. 
• You will be presented with a pair of protective goggles.  These prevent any of the damaging light from the lasers from affecting your eyes, as if they do they can cause problems which may lead to affected vision.  It is imperative that you wear these goggles.
• Sometimes you will be offered an anaesthetic cream so that the treatment doesn’t hurt, however this is often not used as there isn’t any real pain involved.  You can imagine the sensation as being flicked with an elastic band.  Generally it is up to you whether you wish to use the cream, and if you are concerned about any pain then it might be best so that you are confident about the treatment. 
• The practitioner will examine your skin and adjust the machine so that the right frequency is used for your treatment. 
• The treatment will start, the pricking sensation will start and the pulsed light laser will start to affect the hairs within the area specified.  The length of this will depend on the area being treated, and while it continues there will be a sort of burning smell as the hairs are affected. 
• After the whole area has been treated you will have the area gently rubbed with a dry towel.  It will be red and possibly slightly inflamed immediately after the procedure, however this ought to dissipate in a day. 

The pulsed light lasers affect the melanin in the hair follicle so that the rest of the skin ought not to be affected.  Lasers and the lights emitted can, in this way, seriously prevents the growth of hairs within the area treated.  Unfortunately this doesn’t affect every hair follicle with the area being treated, as at any one time around 20% of your hair will be in a resting period, and won’t be touched by the pulsed light laser.  Laser hair removal is a long-term solution to your hair problems, and can be completely permanent after more than 6 sessions. 

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