Flawless skin, hairless legs, smooth underarms – it’s a body hair-free world that most girls dream about. But what if I told you that this fantasy is now the new reality. With hundreds of laser hair removal clinics popping up around Melbourne, the goal of going hair-free without maintenance is now quite achievable. Yet, before you go booking in your first session, it’s important that you understand exactly what the process involves. It may not be open-heart surgery but laser hair removal is still an operation in itself. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions patients have before their first laser appointment.
1. How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatment Work?
According to Mayo Clinic, the laser that is used during hair removal simply uses light energy to damage the hair follicles under your skin to stop the production of hair. Consequently, any future hairs that are to grow from that follicle are either obstructed from growing or are finer in thickness, therefore resulting in hair reduction.
2. What is the Duration of the Session and Does the Procedure Hurt?
The duration of your session will vary depending on the part of your body that’s being treated. Underarms, for example, will simply take five minutes whereas full-legs will take up to 20 minutes to complete.
In terms of pain, many patients would say that laser treatment is a 3 out of 10, with 10 being painful. In saying that, there are times where you may feel discomfort, particularly when you’re being treated in areas that are closer to the bone.
3. What Am I Required to Do Before the Treatment?
Your laser technician will be very specific about this when you consult with them prior to your first treatment.
Firstly you must do a clean shave of the area that’s being lasered as if you don’t, the procedure won’t be effective. If you forget to shave, some clinics charge you an extra fee for them to shave the area that they’re treating, whereas others may cancel your appointment at your own cost. The closer you shave to your appointment time, the more effective your treatment will be.
Secondly, you are not to use any deodorants, body sprays, moisturises or beauty products on the treated area before your appointment and up to 24 hours after your appointment. The same goes for both real and fake tanning. You want the treated area to be as natural as possible, that is without body hair of course.
Lastly, you must inform your technician about all the medications that you’re taking to ensure that you don’t have a reaction to your treatment.
4. What is Expected Post-Treatment?
There are a few things you can’t do within the following 48 hours of your treatment. This includes being in the sun, swimming, or anything that may irritate your skin as it will be quite sensitive within the days following your appointment. You can, however, apply specific moisturising recovery cream that your technician will supply. Otherwise, within the weeks that follow your appointment, you can expect to see hair falling out gradually.
5. When will I See Results?
Results won’t appear straight away, however, after a few consistent treatments, you will start to notice that your hair is a lot finer, if not there at all. Depending on your skin and hair type, six to twelve treatments will give you the hairless results that you’re looking for, however, to maintain those results you may need to book yearly appointments to be rid of any new follicles that may emerge.
With laser hair removal one of the most effective hair removal methods, it’s easy to understand why everyone is doing it. Before you make the change, ensure that you understand exactly what the process involves and that you’re up to maintaining it in order to get the best results possible. And remember, your technician will always be there to help.
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