Laser Hair Removal Pre Treatment Requirements

Laser hair removal is performed to remove unwanted hair from the body. This sort of a unwanted hair is the result of a condition known as hirsutism. Hirsutism can occur because drugs or medical conditions, including polycystic ovaries in women and high blood pressure drugs like minoxidal.

The types of lasers preferred for removing hair are the alexandrite and ruby lasers, that penatrate and destroy the hair follicle, which is the organ responsible for producing hair. Laser hair removal is best for fair-skinned, dark-haired people, because the laser not only destroys the hair follicle but destroys the pigmentation which gives the hair its colour.

The consultant will first take the patient’s medical history. He or she will need to know if the patient is taking any medications and if the patient smokes or drinks. Medications include vitamins and herbal supplements, because sometimes these substances can interfere with the healing process.

It is important to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning salons or even tanning lotions. This period of time might be as long as a month and a half. Having a tan might increase the risk of hypopigmentation or skin lightening. If the patient already has a tan, the treatment might need to wait until the tan fades completely.

The patient should also avoid other means of hair removal including electrolysis, waxing, plucking or anything else that might interfere with the hair follicle. The patient will still be allowed to shave because the follicle is undisturbed. Indeed, some dermatologists recommend that the patient shave before the treatment since shaving might increase the chances of a good outcome.

The length of the treatment depends on how much of the body is being treated. A small area might only need a few minutes to be treated, while a large area like the back might take hours. There might be some swelling after the treatment, but this can be soothed with ice, ointment or cream. Once again, the patient will need to stay out of the sun for a while then use sunscreen whenever he or she goes out into the sun. Most patients are quite pleased with a professionally done laser hair removal.

Authors Biography: Monica Dwyer is an experienced blogger and content writer specializing in the area of health and beauty. She has written this article on behalf of Urbana who offers laser hair removal and waxing services in Dublin, Ireland.