How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works almost anywhere that people grow hair, including the legs, bikini area, chest, back, and arms. At Laser Skin Care Center we use one of the most advanced laser hair removal systems available to give you better results in less time. Get rid of your old, uncomfortable, time-consuming hair removal methods, because laser hair removal will change everything. 

*Individual results may vary

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

We use the Cynosure® Elite MPX laser for hair removal treatments. This laser uses multiple wavelengths of light, allowing it to treat more skin tones than almost any other laser available. 

The laser targets hair follicles, the small structures in the skin that grow hairs. These follicles contain pigment, and when the laser energy hits this pigment, it creates heat, deactivating the follicle and making sure it doesn’t grow any more hair. 

Because hair follicles go through cycles of growing and resting, not all follicles will be growing hairs during a treatment session. Only active follicles contain pigment and respond to treatment. Resting follicles will be able to grow hair again when they return to their growth cycle. Removal requires several sessions to allow more follicles to become active so they can be treated. 

How do I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

Preparing for laser hair removal means making sure your treatments are more effective. More hair removed per session can lead to fewer sessions and less cost. 

The first step in preparing for hair removal is to avoid tanning or using sunless tanners for at least a month before each treatment. Darkening your skin will lessen the contrast between your skin and your pigmented hair follicles. The greater the contrast between your hair and skin, the more effectively the laser will target your follicles. 

The second step in preparing your skin for hair removal means avoiding any waxing, plucking, epilating, or other methods that pull out hairs. This removes the hair root, meaning the follicles will not respond to treatment. You will need to have actively growing hair for the laser to target in order to see results. You may still shave since this leaves the hair root and pigment inside the follicle. 

The third step of preparation involves making sure the skin is clean and has been shaved within a day or two of the procedure. Longer hair can make the laser treatment more uncomfortable, so shorter shaved hair can help. Make sure skin has no lotions or other products on it that would prevent the laser from working correctly. 

What Results Can I Expect?

You may have topical numbing medication applied before the procedure. A session usually takes less than an hour. The number of sessions required depends on your hair and skin type, the size of the treatment area, and how fast your hair grows. Most people require an average of two to six treatments. Treatments must be spaced several weeks apart so your skin has time to heal and new follicles can enter the growth phase. Your Laser Skin Care Center professional will set up a schedule for your treatments. 

Many people return once a year for maintenance treatments for hair removal. While the removal of hair follicles prevents them from growing new hair, a few stray follicles may remain in the sleep phase or otherwise escape treatment. Yearly maintenance can make sure these stray hairs go away and stay gone. Regrown hair is fine, sparse, and easily removed. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?

Laser hair removal requires a time and money commitment, but is it worth it? Consider these factors:

• Time spent in regular hair removal (shaving, waxing, etc)
• Long-term cost of traditional hair removal methods
• Convenience of no last-minute preparations
• Improved self-confidence and no worries about embarrassing hair

The cost of laser hair removal can be offset by the long-term costs of other hair removal methods, like shaving supplies or waxing sessions. The time spent on your laser hair removal cannot compare to the time spent on traditional hai removal over years. 

Is There Any Downtime With Laser Hair Removal?

You may experience some soreness or redness in the treated area for a few hours to a day after the procedure. You should avoid harsh or scrubbing products for several days after your treatment. After each session, you will see less and less hair grow back until your skin is smooth and hairless. 

Am I a Good Candidate?

If you have unwanted hair and you can make the time commitment to several sessions, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal. If you have irritation or inflammation in the treatment area, your provider may address this before starting treatment. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about Laser Hair Removal, please fill out the form on this page or call (562) 997-1144. Laser Skin Care Center proudly serves the Long Beach, CA area and offers a variety of cosmetic dermatology services.

*Individual results may vary.