Three Things to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can leave you with smooth skin for much longer than shaving or waxing. It can be used almost anywhere on the body (including the face) and provide an essentially pain-free alternative to other hair removal methods.

At The Aesthetics Lab in Tampa, FL, board-certified physician Dr. Pina Panchal offer a state-of-the-art laser hair removal technology called Soprano® ICE. This device can penetrate the hair follicle for smooth results without razor bumps or cuts.

Below, we'll look at some dos and don'ts for taking care of your skin after laser hair removal.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is designed to penetrate the follicle and keep hair from growing back. The Aesthetics Lab uses Soprano ICE for laser hair removal because, unlike traditional hair removal methods, it can target light and dark hair alike and is virtually painless.

While patients will likely need multiple sessions to target each follicle, the results can last months to years. In some cases, the follicle is deactivated for the long term.

Dr. Panchal offers the Soprano ICE laser hair removal in areas including:

• Legs

• Underarms

• Abdomen

• Face

• Arms

• Back

• Chest

• Bikini area

Eventually, some hair will grow back if the follicle is not deactivated. It should become evident within 3 – 4 weeks if you need more treatment.

Three things to avoid after laser hair removal

Three main things to avoid in the days after your laser hair removal to keep your skin in optimal shape:

1. Rubbing or scratching the treatment area

Irritating the area can delay healing and cause irritation and more redness. Even tight-fitting clothes should be avoided in the days after treatment while your skin heals from the laser's heat.

2. Hot baths and showers as well as swimming pools

Keeping the skin moist is crucial for the healing process, so exposing skin to hot or chlorinated water, which dries it out in the short term, is not advised in the first few days after treatment.

3. Perfumed beauty products and irritating ingredients

Using scented or bleaching creams, exfoliants, or acids on the treatment area irritates the skin and prevents quick healing. They may also cause more redness and discomfort in the 2 – 3 days after laser hair removal.

Dos and don'ts for before and after laser hair removal treatment

Preparing for your laser hair removal treatment at The Aesthetics Lab is just as important as caring for your skin afterward.

Here are some of the most important things to remember for preparing for and recovering from laser hair removal:

• Do not tan the skin that will undergo laser treatment. This includes avoiding tanning beds.

• Refrain from waxing, bleaching, or plucking hair in the 4 – 6 weeks before treatment to avoid disturbing the hair roots the laser will target.

• Treat the area delicately in the 2 – 3 weeks after treatment to reduce the chances of scarring.

• Apply soothing and hydrating creams after treatment, such as aloe vera.

• Do not shave areas that are still swollen and red.

• Paracetamol should be the pain reliever of choice, if needed. Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin after laser treatment.

• Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for a few days after treatment. Walking will help with circulation, but you should avoid excessive sweating.

Get laser hair removal in Tampa, FL

At The Aesthetics Lab, patients in Tampa, FL can choose from a variety of skin treatments, including state-of-the-art hair removal with the Soprano ICE system.

Dr. Pina Panchal will provide information on your unique treatment plan to prepare you for your laser treatment.

The first step toward smoother skin is scheduling a consultation at The Aesthetics Lab.