Everybody knows about laser hair removal by now, but there’s only one way to gain a deeper, more complete understanding of the treatment process itself: having your own treatment done.
But what if you’re still unsure as to whether or not this is the best option for your situation? If this describes you, then consider this overview of the treatment process your all-in-one primer to laser hair removal. In this guide, we’ll cover the before, during, and after of the entire laser hair removal process so you can gain a more confident understanding of how it all works.
When you’re ready to set up your own treatment and finally rid yourself of that stubborn hair for a smooth and youthful appearance, our team at Still Well Med Spa is here to deliver a customized and result-driven treatment plan.
But first things first, you can’t make it to the treatment itself without consulting with an expert, determining your eligibility, and planning your approach.
The Consultation and Planning Process
Even though laser hair removal is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that accommodates a wide range of patients, an initial consultation is still required for several key reasons, including:
- Determining whether you are a good fit: Certain skin and hair types may not be well-suited for laser hair removal treatment. Similarly, certain medications, skin conditions, immune disorders, and other factors (like tattoos or piercings in the area) may affect your eligibility for this treatment.
- Educating you on the treatment: Especially if you’ve never had laser hair removal before, it’s important that you understand how it works, along with the potential benefits and risks. At Still Well Med Spa, we are passionate about ensuring every patient is confidently well-informed in their decision to pursue any given treatment(s).
- Planning and preparing for your session(s): Together with your provider, you will determine the areas to be treated, how many sessions you may need, when to schedule them, and what to do beforehand. Both the prep and aftercare process are important for ensuring long-lasting results and a safe and effective procedure.
Once you and your provider are both on the same page after the initial consultation and planning phase, including scheduling and determining the ideal number of sessions for you, the next step is to undergo the treatment itself.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Steps
When the day of your first treatment arrives, you’ll find the overall treatment process to be quick and straightforward. Once you are comfortably in position, the provider will typically apply a numbing gel to the treatment area. Cooling agents and/or air can also be used to prepare the area for a more comfortable treatment.
Then, the provider will use the handpiece to apply the laser energy to the treatment area. They will methodically glide the handpiece over the treatment area to evenly target each hair follicle. The laser is attracted to pigments in the hair follicles, targeting them and damaging them to stop hair growth. Most patients describe the sensation associated with laser hair removal treatment as similar to having a rubber band snapped on the skin, or a slight pinch, possibly accompanied by a warming sensation.
Immediately following your treatment, your skin will be monitored for a brief time period to ensure that there is no adverse reaction beyond mild redness and swelling, which are common effects that typically resolve within the same day of treatment. Then, you are free to go about your day and, if applicable, report back for follow-up treatment sessions.
Post-Treatment Tips to Maintain Your Results
As with many procedures, there are guidelines to be applied immediately afterwards and in the long-term picture with laser hair removal. Adhering to both short-term and long-term recommendations will ensure optimal results as well as your personal comfort.
Here’s a quick overview of typical post-treatment recommendations for laser hair removal, keeping in mind that it’s always best to consult your provider for your individualized recommendations:
Short-Term (1-3 days after treatment)
- Use ice as directed to manage any redness and/or swelling you experience after treatment
- Though it may be slightly itchy, refrain from scratching or otherwise applying pressure to the treatment area
- Keep the skin moisturized, but ensure that you do not use any potentially irritating products
Medium- and Long-Term (Several days after treatment and on)
- Keep the skin protected from sun exposure, using SPF 30 or stronger sunblock
- Avoid temperature extremes whenever possible
- Avoid waxing or tweezing the treatment area
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
The general theme is this: manage acute swelling and inflammation in the short term and continue to protect the skin in the long-term scenario. These tips apply both between successive laser hair removal sessions and after the final session of a treatment plan.
Choose Still Well Med Spa of Staten Island, NY, for a Patient-Centered Laser Hair Removal Treatment Plan
Our team is committed to providing you with completely individualized, mindful, and effective aesthetics treatments that deliver exactly the results you’re looking for. We treat every incoming client as a unique case, not just from a medical and/or aesthetics perspective, but in regards to your unique goals and preferences.
As your trusted laser hair removal treatment provider, we will build a customized approach that honors both your aspirations of treatment as well as your unique body type in order to deliver long-lasting results that you will be ecstatic about.
Contact our office today for a laser hair removal consultation and finally rid yourself of that stubborn hair for a smooth and rejuvenated look!
