Laser Care Guide
Laser Care Guide
Considering Laser Hair Removal treatment
Before booking or commencing any laser hair removal treatment, you must come in for a full consultation. This will enable the process to be explained to you and manage your expectations in terms of how long treatment might take and what results might typically be expected. Any possible side effects can be explained to you and you will be able to ask any questions you may have to ensure that laser hair removal is right for you. Full pricing options will also be discussed. Finally, and most importantly, your skin type will be reviewed and a laser patch test carried out to confirm suitability.
Prior to your first treatment
Prior to your first treatment, hair must be shaved from the area to be lasered. It must not be plucked or waxed since these remove the hair follicle and will render the laser treatment ineffective. Shaving must be done 24hrs before the treatment. If your back is being treated, I offer complimentary shaving 24hrs before.
You must also ensure that the area to be treated has not been exposed to sun for 4 weeks previously. Any fake tan must be entirely removed.
You must consent to pictures of the area to be treated being taken prior, and during your course of treatment. You will also be asked to sign a consent form.
Treatments
At the beginning of your appointment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. A layer of clear gel will then be applied to the area to aid in the gliding motion of the laser device hand piece. You will be given protective eye goggles to wear which must remain on until the treatment is complete and the laser device is turned off.
The treatment itself will involve the hand piece being pressed firmly against your skin and moved up and down in a gliding motion. The handpiece includes powerful cooling technology so will feel cold - this is for your safety and comfort. The laser will fire rapidly in short bursts - whilst you will feel the sensation of the laser firing, the process is very quick and should not be painful. It is often likened to the feeling of an elastic band snapping. Of course, some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so the feeling may feel more present on the testicles for example, than the back.
As a guide, treating a whole back area might typically take 30-40 minutes.
After Treatment
At the end of the treatment, any excess gel will be removed, and a thin layer of pure aloe vera applied to aid cooling and calming of the skin. The area may be noticeably red (erythema) and may be swollen (edema) around each follicle. This redness may last 2 hours up to several days after the treatment depending on the individual. skin may be red, but this should quickly fade. There is no 'downtime' following treatment.
It is very important that treated skin is not exposed to sunlight (including sunbeds) and a high factor sunscreen must be used for 14 days following your appointment. Laser treatment can increase the photosensitivity of your skin and the likelihood of burning in sunlight.