Spending countless hours every month removing hair from your legs, underarms and other parts of your body can get exhausting. Just when you think you have achieved smooth and hairless skin, it is time to shave or wax all over again. Wouldn't it be nice if you did not have to worry about shaving or waxing every other day? If you are tired of removing hair from your body all the time, you have the option of laser hair removal. According to Fitness Magazine, a concentrated beam of light damages the hair follicle to slow down future growth.
How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Although laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure, it still requires some preparation. During your consultation with the dermatologist, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends asking questions about her background, such as what dermatology school she graduated from and how many laser hair removal procedures she has performed. Asking these sorts of questions will help you make sure the dermatologist has the qualifications to perform the procedure.
It is also very important to tell the dermatologist what medications you currently take, if you have tanned recently and whether or not you scar easily. All of these factors will help the dermatologist determine if it is safe to perform laser hair removal on your skin or not. For example, if your skin is tan, it can absorb the laser light, increasing the risk of burns.
Also, do not wax or shave the area you want treated for at least six weeks.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
- It Saves You Time: If you are like many people, you have limited time in the morning to get ready. If you get a laser hair removal treatment, just think about all the time you will save not having to shave or wax.
- It Can Prevent Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs do not just look unsightly; they can also irritate your skin. Because laser hair removal effects hair starting at the root, you will not have to deal with this pesky problem anymore.
- It Can Save Money in the Long Run: While the upfront price of laser hair treatments are not exactly inexpensive, they can actually help you save more money in the future. When you get your hair permanently removed, you will no longer have to worry about buying razors, shaving cream and other hair removing products.
- It's Fast: Another great aspect about laser hair removal is that it is quick. The laser beam can treat several hairs in just seconds.
Is the Process Painful?
Many people shy away from laser hair removal because they believe it will hurt. While the treatment may not be completely painless, many patients feel little discomfort. When the laser beam hits your skin, you may feel like a rubber band is snapping against it. If you are still worried about the pain, ask the dermatologist to apply a topical anesthetic to the area beforehand. It is also a good idea to take ibuprofen an hour before the treatment.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Although you will not have to take any time off from work, you still have to take good care of yourself after the laser hair removal procedure. It is normal for the treated area to feel hot and tender for the first few days. Applying a cold compress to the area may help alleviate some of the discomfort. It is also crucial to apply generous amounts of sunscreen to the area before going outside. If you do not protect the treated area, the skin could become discolored.
