When you first hear laser hair removal, you may think of a painful and difficult process. But it’s actually quite the opposite. Most of our patients at Skin Perfection London have only one regret. Not starting the treatment sooner. One of the first questions typically is how laser hair removal is done? What do you need to do before? And who’s suitable for the treatment?
With our quick treatment guide, you can now learn how laser hair removal is done;
Laser works by emitting heat which is picked up by the pigment in your hair. And then transported to the root. Which is what the heat targets and destroys preventing future hair growth.
Before treatment
Before you go ahead with any laser treatment, you’ll need to come to the Clinic for a consultation and patch test. This will enable your practitioner to explain the treatment process and assess your medical background. This includes any existing/ past medical conditions. And finally to perform a quick test on your skin. This will confirm if your skin is reacting well to the laser. Depending on your skin tone we can then book your first session. If you’ve a lighter complexion your first treatment can commence in 2 days. However if you’ve darker/olive skin your first treatment could take place 7 days post your skin test.
In preparation for your treatments you’ll be asked to shave the hair from the area of treatment. Preferable the day before. Waxing, epilation and shaving creams aren’t recommended as these can rip out the root. Which is exactly what the laser would have to target. Also if there is no hair in the follicle the laser energy wouldn’t be picked up. And would lead to the energy wasting away on the surface of the skin.
The reason why you’re also asked to shave the day before is to avoid any shaving irritation, cuts or bleeding that could interrupt your treatment on the day.
During the treatment
With the laser set to the level determined by your response to the skin test, your practitioner will start the treatment. After the first shot with the laser ( and throughout the procedure) she’ll check that you’re comfortable with the set levels. And will carry on until the treatment is completed.
Most patients cope well with the treatment and say that it’s much easier than waxing. The sensation described as being like a little pinprick. Followed by the heat sensation that stops immediately after the laser has been fired. To minimise any discomfort during your treatment, we also use Cynosure’s skin cooling system, which blows cool air over your skin.
After the treatment
If your skin feels tender and appears slightly red after treatment, your practitioner can apply aloe vera gel to the area. If you need further cooling, you’re welcome to stay in the clinic, and apply a cool pack until the skin has calmed down and you feel ready to leave.
Important note – as opposed to waxing, laser will not rip your hair out, but destroys the follicles. Up to 14 days following your treatment, the dead hair will push out of your skin. Even though this looks like hair growth, it’t not new hair. For the treatment to work your hair cycles have to be captured at their growing stage. Hence the reason you’ll be asked to attend your treatments between every 4-6 weeks.
To discuss your suitability for laser and to learn more; why not contact my Expert team who’ll be able to give you further guidance?
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your hair removal journey at Skin Perfection London, we request that you attend a no obligations consultation and skin test. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to learn more about the process. How does laser hair removal work? Why is it effective? How many treatments you need? What’s the best laser for your skin type? How to prepare your skin for the treatment? And about the contraindications to the treatment. Finally to confirm suitability we’ll carry out a quick patch test.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at SP. Our highly trained and skilled aesthetic practitioners have many years of experience, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands. And, you can be sure, you’ll always have a stress-free relaxing experience.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
