Body hair plays a critical role in a person’s appearance and his or her self-esteem. Some people might feel uncomfortable with too much body hair, and that can affect other areas of their lives. Laser hair removal is one technique that dermatologists use to eliminate unwanted body hair. The experts at Metro Dermatology can answer any questions you might have about the procedure.
The treatment involves a machine that targets the hair follicles and removes hair by its roots. It is the closest that patients can come to permanent hair removal. Laser treatment can be used for hair on the face, underarms, bikini line, arms, and legs. With the expertise of our dermatologist, an individual can enjoy the benefits of the procedure. However, a candidate for laser treatment can do a few things to ensure the best outcome.
Consult with Our Dermatologist
Verifying if one is a suitable candidate for laser hair removal is essential before proceeding with any other plans. This procedure focuses on breaking down skin pigmentation at the molecular level and will determine if laser hair removal is suitable for you. During your consultation with our medical team, your health and medical history will be evaluated.
If no contraindicating skin issues are found, a customized treatment plan will be created for you to maximize your results. A dermatologist will administer pulse tests, among other examinations to see the best way to approach the treatment. During this consultation is the best time to get answers to any other questions that you might have.
Prepare Accordingly
A dermatologist will advise a laser treatment candidate against tanning, and excessive sun exposure six weeks prior to the treatment. During the same period, a person who is scheduled for laser treatment should not remove any hair by its roots – doing so may make it difficult to target your roots during the procedure. One should shave the areas that will be getting the treatment to remove the hair just above the skin. Shaving the day before the procedure is another part of the preparation that will ensure the hair removal treatment delivers satisfactory results. The point of shaving right before treatment is to trigger active growing, which is when laser removal works best.
Coffee intake is a habit that many individuals take part in, but on the day of the procedure, caffeine should be avoided. Stimulants like caffeine will increase agitation during the treatment, which can interfere with the results. An individual getting hair removal should be mentally prepared for the entire process, which can take several sessions. The frequency and number of sessions vary among individuals.
Post Procedure
- Avoid the sun: Similarly to avoiding excessive sun exposure before the procedure, it’s equally important to avoid excessive sunlight and UV rays for six weeks following the procedure.
- Expect hair to fall out: Not long after your treatment, the targeted hair will start coming out of the hair follicles, which may make it look like it’s growing again. However, within ten to fourteen days, hair will reach the shedding stage and begin to fall out. It is easiest to gently remove it with a washcloth in the shower.
- Do not pluck or wax: During the shedding stage, the hair should fall out naturally, it should not be plucked, or waxed. Any resistance from the hair means that the root is still alive, and the hair will need to be targeted again during a follow-up treatment.
For more information about laser hair removal or any of the other offered procedures, call Metro Dermatology in New York for a consultation.
