What You Should Know About Laser Treatments Before Starting

Laser hair removal treatments are so popular for a good reason; they’re safe, work on all skin and hair types, and offer long-lasting results. If you’ve never tried such a treatment before and want to do it now, this information is for you. There are a few things that people should know about laser hair removal. Sometimes when you have your first laser consultation with a service provider, they might forget to mention some things, and you might not know about certain things you should ask them about. In this article, we have answered the most frequently asked questions by new laser patients, and we’ve put together some other useful information that is good to know for yourself.

Let’s get into it!

Different Types of Lasers Serve Different Purposes

There are generally considered to be four main types of laser hair removal technology: Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:YAG, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Each technology utilizes a different wavelength of light to target melanin in the hair follicle, with some being better suited for specific skin types (lighter vs. darker) and hair colors, with Alexandrite and Nd:YAG often cited as the most effective and versatile, respectively.

Your Skin Type Matters

Certainly, your skin type matters for laser hair removal as the laser focuses on the melanin (pigment) present in hair follicles and the melanin in your skin affects the laser interaction as well as the chances of having side effects. Although treatments in contrast are more effective on fair skin and dark hair, modern lasers like GentleMax Pro Plus and other tailored techniques are capable of safely and effectively removing hair on all skin types, including on darker skin. Critical elements are the type of skin the laser is directed towards, like Nd:YAG lasers for darker skin, the energy levels for the laser, and the qualifications of the laser operator.

Results Take Time

According to the Chicago’s V&P Laser Hair Removal & Skin Care clinic, when performing laser hair removal with the new GentleMax Pro Plus laser, you will notice results within 1-2 weeks after your first treatment. But, based on their experiences, most of their patients start seeing optimal results after 6-8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This is when you will see a significant hair reduction on your treated areas.

Here’s a general timeline:

• Week 1-2: Hair may start to fall out. 
• Weeks 2-4: Here’s when the hair growth slows down and in there is any new hair, it is thinner and lighter. 
• Months 3-6: Continued hair reduction and improvement in hair thickness. 
• Months 6-12: Optimal results may be achieved, with minimal hair growth.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are often discussed when you have your laser consultation, and still, we wanted to double down ion them. People need to know about side effects and what they have to do when they get a side effect, especially for new patients who just had their first session.

First of all, you shouldn’t get laser hair removal if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
• Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
• Have keloid scars (raised scars).
• Have or have had skin cancer.

And here are the side effects that you can get after a laser treatment. You should always keep in touch with your service provider if you feel like the side effects are too much to take. Most side effects last for a few hours to a couple of days. Here they are:

• Redness and Irritation 

Your skin may feel warm and develop a sunburn-like rash. This is during and within a few hours of your appointment. This is expected and fades quickly. 

• Temporary Discomfort 

Some candidates experience tingling, stinging, and snapping. At rest mild soreness is expected, though it typically goes away within a couple of days. 

• Skin Color Changes

Some individuals develop hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation more pronounced and likely to last in those with darker skin. These conditions will additionally resolve with time.

Pre-Treatment Preparation Is Also Very Important

The pretreatment care instructions are extremely important. Not following these instructions can led to your treatment being canceled.

• Avoid plucking and waxing. These hair removal methods can disturb the hair follicle and interfere with laser hair removal. Shaving is okay, however, because it preserves the hair shaft and follicle, on the day of your treatment, you will want to shave with a clean, new razor. Laser clinics are not responsible for shaving areas. By shaving, the lasers will be able to reach the follicles. Using a clean, new razor ensures that no bacteria that could cause contact dermatitis lingers after your laser treatment.
• Makeup, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen and literally everything else you might put on your skin must be removed from the area being treated before your appointment. If you forget this one.
• Be sure to wear clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or is loose fitting. The treated area may have a soothing topical cream applied that you don’t want to get on clothing. Tight or abrasive clothing will feel uncomfortable if your skin is sensitive after treatment.

Final Thoughts

Laser treatments are by far one of the best hair removal methods available on the market. The industry is striving to bring the safest and newest technology to the market every year. Companies like Candela Medical are making bold moves, helping service providers with laser technology like the GentleMax Pro series that can now treat almost any skin and hair type. So, if you haven’t done any laser hair removal in the past, now is the perfect and best time in the entire history of laser treatments to go ahead and try it for yourself. The safest technology is out there to take advantage of.