What You Should Do Before Your Laser Hair Removal

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Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses laser light to remove unwanted hair. It's the most common way to remove unwanted hair and can be done on almost any body area. The results are not permanent, however, so you will need to repeat the treatment on an ongoing basis if you want your skin smooth and hairless at all times.

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So how can you prepare for your laser hair removal treatment? Before your laser removal, ensure that you have exfoliated, moisturized, and consulted with your doctor. Each person's skin may differ, so ensuring that this treatment is appropriate for your skin helps you get the most effective results. 

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How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

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The laser hair removal process targets the pigment of the hair follicle. The pigment absorbs the laser light, which causes the tissue to heat up and destroy the follicle. Remember that while this is an effective method for removing unwanted hair from many areas of your body, it will only work on some skin types or colors.

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The procedure is quick and straightforward, and you can usually go home after a few hours. It's essential to take care of your skin while it heals — you may need to apply sunscreen or moisturizer (depending on the area treated) and avoid exposing yourself to the sun for several days afterward.

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Preparing Yourself for Laser Hair Removal

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If you're thinking about getting laser hair removal, you must know what you can do ahead of time to make the experience more comfortable and practical. Here are some tips for preparing for laser hair removal:

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1) Take a pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment

The most important thing to remember about pain relievers is that you should take them about 30 minutes before your appointment. This is because laser hair removal can cause temporary redness and swelling, which can be uncomfortable. Pain relievers will help reduce both of these side effects.

Pain relievers are not always necessary, but they can help reduce pain from laser hair removal. If you take a pain reliever before your appointment, make sure to do so on an empty stomach (as eating beforehand may interfere with how well the drug works).

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2) Skip the retinoids before your laser hair removal treatment

If you're getting laser hair removal on any part of your body, listen up: don't use retinoids before the treatment. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives used to treat acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the top layers of the skin. These ingredients also increase sensitivity to light, including lasers, so it's best not to use them before your appointment.

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3) Shave 1 to 2 days before your treatment

You can shave the area to be treated the day before your appointment. Please don't use a razor blade on your face or legs, as it can be painful and could cause irritation. Even if you have recently waxed or epilated hair on these areas, wait at least one week before laser treatment.

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4) Avoid applying oil to the treatment area

If you're getting laser hair removal on your legs, avoid applying lotion or oil to the area beforehand, but if you need to shave again before treatment, use soap instead of shaving cream. The only thing you should apply to the site is soap. Don't use lotions, oils, or gels before your appointment.

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4) Exfoliate your skin before laser removal

Exfoliating your skin will help the laser penetrate your hair follicles better, which means getting rid of more hair in less time. You can use a gentle scrub or cleanser to remove the dead skin cells from your face or the area you will have lasered.

5) Don’t forget to moisturize the treatment area

Moisturizing your skin before treatment helps protect it from any irritation that may occur during or after treatment. It's also important to moisturize after the procedure because this helps with healing and reduces redness or swelling in the treated area.

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How Many Sessions Do You Need to Have?

The number of sessions or laser hair removal treatments you'll need will depend on the treatment area and your hair and skin type. For most people, 3 to 4 sessions are enough to remove hair. The treated hair will fall out a month or two after the treatment. But if you have dark or thick hair, it may take longer for them to return, typically six months or more, before you see another hair growth.

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Things to Expect From Laser Hair Removal

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You must know what you'll face preparing for laser hair removal. The procedure can be expensive and time-consuming, but it's still an effective alternative to waxing or shaving. However, laser hair removal is not a one-size fits all procedure and may only work for some.

There are some possible side effects you may experience after laser hair removal treatment. Here are some of these side effects that you may go through during and after your laser hair removal treatment:

• It can irritate your skin: While numbing creams can help reduce discomfort during treatment, they don't always work well enough to make a difference in how much pain you experience during treatment.
• You may have some redness:  You might also experience temporary redness or swelling following the procedure, which usually fades within 24 hours, as well as mild itching after your appointment.
• Pigment changes of your skin: Depending on your skin, your body may react differently, as some slight discoloration may happen. This side effect may only be temporary or permanent, so consult your doctor beforehand.

Take note that results may take time. Maybe even weeks or months after your first treatment. In general, full results are seen after three sessions spaced at least four weeks apart, although some people see results sooner than others. 

Hair grows in cycles, so if you notice that some hairs have grown back before another session has occurred, then that means those areas still need more time under the laser before additional inches will be eliminated from those areas again. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any possible side effects.

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Is Hair Removal Permanent?

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Unfortunately, laser hair removal is not permanent because of possible hair growth afterward. The time that the treatment will last depends on the laser used and your skin type. For example, a lighter skin tone with fine hair will require fewer treatments than someone with darker and coarser hair.

It can take anywhere from 6 months to a few years for your body to replace lost hair follicles with new ones after being treated by laser therapy. But if you want permanent results from your laser treatment, you must repeat it within three years.

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Post-Treatment Care Treatment After Your Laser Removal

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• Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid waxing or sugaring for at least two weeks after treatment.
• Avoid using Retin-A or other retinoids for at least two weeks after treatment.
• Don't pick at any scabs that develop after laser hair removal treatments.
• Avoid perfumes, deodorants, or lotions for at least 24 hours after laser hair removal because these may irritate your skin and delay healing.* 
• Wear sunscreen outdoors for about two weeks after laser hair removal treatments to protect against sunburns and new pigment changes

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Should You Consider Getting Laser Hair Removal?

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It's essential to do your research and find a reputable practitioner. You should also talk to your doctor about different options before deciding on one. The results are permanent, but they don't happen overnight as they take time and constant maintenance.

If you're looking for something practical and long-lasting, laser hair removal is probably what you'd choose. Depending on your provider, the services can be pricey and require you to go back and forth, but this investment is worth it in the long run.

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Remove Unwanted Hair with Laser Therapy at the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center

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Laser hair removal treatment is an effective way to achieve a smooth and hair-free body. One of the significant benefits of laser therapy is that it targets the root of the problem, taking away the hassle of hair regrowth and the monthly trips for hair removal. 

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If you've been searching for safe and effective laser hair removal treatments, choose Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. Our team offers customized plans for your specific skin concerns and a wide range of treatments you can choose from. Enjoy smooth, clear, and hair-free skin now, and contact us for an appointment.