7 Ways to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
No matter what treatment you visit us for, The Studio Med Spa team wants you to have the best experience. Today’s blog will arm you with all the info you need for the best outcome after a laser hair removal appointment in San Marcos. To understand why we ask you certain things, it helps to know how laser hair removal works. For instance, the laser targets the hair follicle and zaps it at the root. So, there must be no hair growth above the skin surface for the laser to target. That’s why shaving the area is the main preparation you can do before your laser hair removal appointment. Let’s go into more detail about what you should and shouldn’t do the week before your appointment.
How You Can Best Prepare for Your Session
There are several steps that you can take to ensure that you take full advantage of your laser hair removal appointment. Here are some recommendations:
1. The preparation for your session can start as early as six weeks before. Regardless of whether you wax or epilate, it’s vital to halt these sessions for a few weeks to give the hair time to grow.
2. To target the hair follicle, the hair above the skin’s surface must be removed to prevent the laser from zapping the surface hair instead of the follicle. So, we usually request clients to shave the night before their appointment.
3. Stop tanning. Your skin will be exposed to laser light and be more sensitive than usual to the sun or skin treatments. Because the laser targets melatonin, it could make your skin more sensitive, so staying out of the sun during treatment and at least six weeks before treatment starts is best.
4. Skin products. Your trusty skin serums, such as retinol and Vitamin C might be just what your skin needs. Still, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or serums on your face or any area where you plan to have laser treatment. Also, avoid self-tanning or any chemical products on your skin for the duration of your laser treatments–you’ll generally need more than one session.
5. If you want to minimize discomfort, you can take Tylenol an hour before your treatment, but the session is usually not painful. You may just feel a bit of heat and a slight sting when the laser is activated.
6. Exfoliate beforehand. Although we don’t advise this for the night before your session, you can exfoliate the area a few days before treatment to eliminate dead skin cells. You can exfoliate again five days after your treatment to help the process along.
7. Shower beforehand. Shaving the night before is perfect, and showering before your session the next day is ideal as you want to eliminate all the oils and lotions on your skin. Do not apply any products or deodorant to your skin, as they can fill the pores and hamper results.
Why Prepping is So Important
We always advise you to come for sessions a few weeks before a big event or occasion. Your skin may be slightly itchy afterwards, with redness, bumps, and dry skin typical effects. You can apply makeup, lotion, or cream 24 hours after your skin has settled.
If you want a smooth look on a deadline, you must remember that you might need at least six to eight sessions to remove all the hair as each grows at a different pace in the hair growth cycle. One hair growth cycle lasts four to six weeks. To best target all hair for a specific date, we advise you to start sooner rather than later and follow all care instructions during your treatment closely.
What You Can Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
During a laser hair removal appointment, you can expect the following process:
1. Consultation: You will have a consultation with the laser technician or a healthcare provider to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have.
2. Preparation: You will be asked to shave the area to be treated a day or two before your appointment. Avoid waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for at least six weeks before treatment. You may also be asked to avoid sun exposure and to use a specific type of lotion or cream before treatment.
3. Protection: The laser technician will protect your eyes with special goggles or eyepieces.
4. Treatment: The laser device will be placed against your skin, and pulses of laser light will be directed at the hair follicles. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, and the heat from the laser damages the hair follicle, which inhibits future hair growth.
5. Aftercare: After the treatment, the area may be red and swollen. You may be given ice packs or cold water to help soothe the treated area. You may also be given aftercare instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure, applying lotion or oil to the treated area, and avoiding certain activities for a certain period of time.
Consult with The Studio Med Spa team, and we will ensure you see the best outcome. Why not make your laser hair removal appointment today, so we can consult with you beforehand?
Testimonial from Alicia, Satisfied Laser Hair Removal Patient
I wish I had realized this place was here sooner! I had a great first appointment, everyone was friendly and helpful. I left with a clear understanding of what to expect; I felt listened to and respected. They are very accommodating. There is plenty of parking. The location is clean and comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to a friend.
