Laser Hair Removal: What to expect

Pre-treatment

The Doctors should discuss your pre-treatment regimen with you at the consultation. Generally, patients require no special preparation, though on a few occasions doctors will prescribe a mild medication for patients with very dark skin. This would be used for a few weeks to prepare the skin for best results. Prior to your treatment you must not pluck hairs. You may shave the hair right up to the time of your appointment, and you may wax up to 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

Treatment

Laser hair removal is a highly effective and safe treatment, if performed with the proper equipment by skilled practitioners. The vast majority of patients require no anesthetic. In a few cases the doctors will prescribe a very powerful topical (surface) anesthetic to increase patient comfort.

Treatment with our lasers is very fast. Facial areas can be done in less than 10 minutes, as can underarms and bikini lines. Larger areas, like backs and full legs are done in 30–60 minutes.

Post-treatment care

Generally, there is no special care necessary after your treatment. The doctors may apply a steroid cream, or some ice, to cool the skin. Your skin may be somewhat red, or puffy, but this generally settles within a few hours. It is very important not to get direct sun after your treatment. The doctors should explain your post-care in more full detail at the time of treatment.

Complications

Complications following laser hair removal are rare, but they can occur. This is another reason why it is important to have your treatment done at a clinic where a physician who specializes in Laser medicine is always available. Some clinics will simply tell you to see your Family Doctor if there is a complication. Most complications are minor and easily treated if they do occur. Subtle, temporary changes in skin tone would be an example. The most severe complication would be a burn, which should be extremely rare if the treatment is performed properly.