How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways for males and females to permanently reduce and remove unwanted body hair. The most commonly treated areas include the arms, legs, face, chest, back, and bikini area.

At McLean Clinic, we utilize the LightSheer Duet with Vacuum Assist, the latest innovation in laser hair removal technology. The LightSheer Duet uses “Gold Standard” technology to provide faster, pain-free hair removal treatments. With more traditional hair removal systems, larger areas of the body such as a back or an entire leg can take up to two hours to complete, but with the LightSheer Duet, the same areas can be treated in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The LightSheer Duet prevents hair growth from occurring in the future by directing intense heat into the hair follicle without causing damage to the dermis. This laser will target the pigment in hair, which will also stunt the regrowth of hair. A unique contact-cooling handpiece will treat multiple hair follicles at once without any pain or downtime. This means that the treatment is suitable even for those with sensitive skin or for those who are treating sensitive areas of the body. It is important to understand that hair regrowth is expected to occur, especially if you have had only a few sessions, but it will be thinner, finer, and lighter in colour than pre-treated hair.

What Can I Expect From Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal will leave the treatment area smooth for several weeks or months, however, we usually recommend a series of 6 sessions for permanent results though this will vary depending on the area being treated. It is necessary to undergo a series of treatments because the hair follicles must be targeted in the different stages of the hair growth cycle.

Though laser hair removal sessions can seem more expensive and time-consuming than its waxing or shaving counterparts, many patients consider it a great investment due to the effectiveness and long term results they receive from the treatment.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?

In the past, traditional laser hair systems worked only if you had a fair complexion and dark, coarse hair as the laser technology worked to target the melanin present in the hair. However, with the LightSheer Duet, this is no longer the case! The LightSheer Duet can effectively and safely treat and target a wide range of hair colours. During your one on one consultation at McLean Clinic, we will work with you and have a conversation to help determine if laser hair removal is the best option for you depending on your skin tone, hair colour, hair type, and the area being treated.

When you’re ready to come in for your laser hair removal session or just doing research to see if it is the best option for you, this blog will go through how you can prepare for your laser hair removal treatment.

How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Avoid UV Light Exposure. This is the number one pre-treatment laser hair removal instruction that does not change regardless of hair type, hair colour, skin colour, and the area being treated. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun’s UV rays and refrain from using tanning beds 4 to 8 weeks before beginning your series of laser hair removal treatments. Your skin should be as fair as possible at the time you receive your treatment because the laser can target darker skin pigmentation and can play a role in the effectiveness of your treatment as a whole. For this reason, we do not recommend exposing your skin to UV rays throughout your entire treatment program. This is why the vast majority of laser hair removal patients receive their treatments during the dark, winter months where the UV index is quite low and you are less likely to be exposed to UV light when outdoors.

Avoid other forms of hair removal techniques for 4 to 8 weeks before your first laser hair removal treatment. This includes tweezing, waxing, plucking, tweezing, bleaching, threading, using epilators, or electrolysis on the treatment area as it can impact the effectiveness of your session. This is because hair needs to be long enough for the laser to target the hair follicles.

Avoid use of topical skin products on the day of treatment. Refrain from using lotions, creams, moisturizers, and especially fake tanning products on the day of your session. Using these products in advance of your treatment day will impede the effectiveness of your treatment.

Shave the treatment area the night before treatment. For laser hair removal treatments to be the most effective, hair follicles should be visible to the naked eye. With this said, treatment can be slightly more painful and less comfortable if the hair is too long and can be curbed by shaving the area the night before.

Inform a member of the McLean Clinic team if you experience a change in your medical circumstances before treatment. Any changes in your medical health may affect treatment, so we recommend contacting the clinic as soon as you know there has been a change so that we can determine if you are able to safely move forward with the treatment.

If you’re tired of removing unwanted body hair by shaving, tweezing, or waxing, contact the McLean Clinic office today so we can help you achieve soft, smooth, and hairless skin for good!