How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair removal can be one of the most tedious, time-consuming personal care tasks. If you would like to put your razor aside or cancel your waxing appointments, you have another option. Laser hair removal treats hair follicles to provide long-lasting smooth, hair-free skin. 

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal works by using laser energy to target pigments in your hair roots. Each follicle contains a hair root, and the pigments in these roots absorb laser energy in the form of heat. The heat deactivates the treated hair follicle, and the hair will fall out and not regrow. Laser hair removal can be used nearly anywhere on the face or body. We offer Cynosure Vectus® laser and LightSheer® laser by Lumenis for maximum results. 

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is very effective, but only if you follow a few important guidelines. Your pre-treatment preparation will affect how well your treatment works or whether you can have treatment that day. 

• Avoid tanning or using fake tanner two to three weeks before treatment. You cannot have treatment if you have been tanning.
• Do not wax, tweeze, or pluck hairs for two to three weeks since this pulls out the hair root and will keep the laser from treating that follicle. 
• Stop using benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and alpha or beta hydroxy acids one week before treatment.
• You can shave while preparing for treatment and must shave the treatment area before your appointment. 
• Arrive for your appointment without any products, lotions, or makeup on your skin. 
• Let your provider know if you have recently finished taking Accutane or have a history of herpes outbreaks. 

Let us know if you have a skin infection or an active condition like a herpes outbreak. You should not have laser hair removal with these conditions. We will work with you to resolve your skin condition and reschedule your treatment. 

Is There Any Downtime After Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal does not require any downtime. You may experience some redness and swelling in the treated area that lasts a few days. Each person will respond differently to treatment. Most people return to work or other activities immediately. Use sun protection and avoid sun exposure after treatment. 

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments to achieve results. Your hair follicles go through cycles, and follicles in their resting cycle cannot be treated until they reactivate. Most people need two to six treatment sessions. 

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

This method of permanent hair removal is intended to give you hair–free skin. The Cynosure Vectus® and LightSheer® by Lumenis lasers treat follicles so effectively that your results can last a lifetime. Some people may see stray hairs regrow over time, while others will not. 

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about our laser hair removal for yourself? Schedule a consultation at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery in El Paso, TX, today by calling or texting (915) 351-1116.