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How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Memphis

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Unwanted facial or body hair can make you feel self-conscious and can take up too much time constantly removing it. What if you could reduce the hair and say goodbye to waxing and shaving? At Levy Dermatology, we can make it happen for you. 

Laser Hair Removal Memphis

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles, the structures below the skin where hair grows. By deactivating these follicles, the laser treatment stops them from producing new hair, so with each treatment, you will see smoother, more hair-free skin. 

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The energy from the BBL Sciton laser targets the pigment molecules in the roots of growing hair. This causes the follicle with the hair root inside to absorb this energy at heat. The heat deactivates the follicle, so hair will not grow from it anymore. 

 

The BBL™ Sciton laser, like all hair removal treatments, can only target hair follicles in their active growth stage. At any time, many follicles in their resting phase will not respond to treatment because they have no hair or pigment. For this reason, laser hair removal takes multiple treatments to catch all the hair follicles as they enter their growth phase and will react to treatment. 

How Do I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

You should prepare for your laser hair removal treatment to make sure you get the maximum hair removal and no hair escape treatment. Your provider may give you specific instructions, but you should follow these general rules:

Stop Bleaching

You must stop any bleaching of hair in the treatment area at least six weeks before your treatment. Bleached hair has had its pigment stripped, so the laser cannot “see” it and cannot remove it. Allow your natural roots six weeks to grow back. 

Stop Pulling Out Hair

This includes plucking, waxing, tweezing, and epilating. If the process pulls out the hair root, you must stop using it four to six weeks before treatment. The laser needs hair roots to target, so do not pull them out before your procedure. 

Avoid Sun Exposure

Laser hair removal works best when the contrast between skin and hair pigmentation is greatest. If you tan, even with a sunless self-tanner, you will make your skin darker and can make the treatment less effective

Shave The Area

While you cannot pull out hairs, you may still shave since this leaves the root intact. You should shave 24-48 hours before your treatment since this will leave enough root for the laser to target. Excessive hair above the surface may become too warm and uncomfortable. 

Arrive for Treatment With Clean Skin

Do not apply any lotions, deodorant, or skin products to the treatment area before your session. Clean skin will respond better to the laser and allow more efficient hair removal. 

Am I A Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

If you are ready for long-lasting hair reduction and less shaving or waxing, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal. This non-invasive procedure works well for most people. People with very pale blonde or gray hair may not make good candidates, since the laser cannot “see” their lightly pigmented hair. 

What is Laser Hair Removal Like?

Some people describe the pulses of the laser as feeling like a rubber band snapping. Your provider can apply a topical numbing cream for very sensitive areas. The BBL™ Sciton laser causes minimal discomfort and more people tolerate it with no problems. Treatment can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. 

What Results Will I See?

You will see less hair regrowth in the coming weeks. At Levy Dermatology we recommend several treatments, with the exact number determined by your treatment needs, and you will usually wait about six weeks between treatments. This allows a new batch of hair to enter the active growth phase so the laser can target more hair. 

 

You will see smoother skin, although you may eventually have some sparse, light regrowth. Annual maintenance treatment will keep these stray hairs under control and keep you smooth, hairless, and free of the cost and time commitment of razors and waxing. 

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Take the Next Step

To learn more about laser hair removal, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling Levy Dermatology at (901) 624-3333. Levy Dermatology serves patients in the Memphis, Jackson & Collierville, TN areas.

* Individuals Results May Vary

Consultations Are Available Now

Learn more today about medical and cosmetic dermatology services today. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Levy Dermatology will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.