Tired of shaving, plucking, and waxing to get rid of unwanted hair? We understand how frustrating and painful these hair removal methods are. That’s why we offer laser hair removal at SKINNEY Medspa. This amazing treatment destroys hair follicles to slow hair growth.
Afraid it’s going to hurt? We use an advanced laser designed to make the procedure virtually painless. It’s so quick and convenient that many patients schedule their appointments over their lunch break and enjoy long-lasting results.
When it’s summer, you’re at greater risk of sunburn, but with good prep and aftercare, you can have minimal side effects and a smooth recovery. Here’s the full guide to prepare for laser hair removal in the summer.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal gets rid of unwanted hair with a laser beam. During this procedure, a laser directs a concentrated light beam onto the treatment area. The melanin, which is pigment in the hair, absorbs this light. Then, the light turns into heat, damaging the hair follicles and not the skin. This hair removal process can delay future growth.
Many people use this solution because they are tired of the ongoing cycle of waxing, plucking, or shaving. Laser hair removal allows you to wait months, or even years, before you need another treatment.
If you’re new to laser hair removal, several sessions will be needed at first. We usually recommend several treatments spaced apart, depending on the extent of your treatment. As your hair growth slows, you may need to come in for maintenance appointments. This treatment can be safely performed on all skin types.
What Areas Can Laser Hair Removal Treat?
Laser hair removal can safely treat many parts of the body. Common treatment areas include:
- Arms
- Legs
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Underarms
- Side burns
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Shoulders
- Back
- Buttocks
- Upper lip
- Bikini line
- Brazilian area
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can help you look and feel better in your skin. These benefits include:
- Long-Lasting Results: While everyone sees different results, many people enjoy smooth skin for several years after getting the initial series of treatments.
- Saves Money in the Long Run: Initially, sessions will cost more than shaving, but over time, you won’t need to pay as much for hair removal.
- Quick and Convenient Procedure: Many people can get treatment during their lunch break and can return to their routine when they’re done.
- Reduces Ingrown Hair: By directly targeting the hair follicles, laser hair removal decreases the growth of ingrown hairs.
- No More Cuts or Razor Burns: As laser hair removal slows hair regrowth, you won’t have to turn back to other hair removal methods.
- Boosts Confidence: Many people feel more confident with their appearance with smoother, hair-free skin.
Why You Need Extra Care in the Summer
If you’re considering laser hair removal, you need to be extra careful when it’s summer. During this season, sun exposure increases your risk of getting a sunburn. That’s why it may be best to wait to get treatment on body parts like the arms and the legs, which come into contact with UV rays. At the very least, it helps to limit your time outdoors and wear sunscreen. The bikini line and underarms are great treatment areas for this time of year.
No matter what body parts you want hair removed from, you can recover smoothly with careful prep.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
The first step to prepare for laser hair removal is to schedule a consultation with an experienced provider. During this meeting, a specialist will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and determine if this laser hair removal is right for you.
If your provider says you can have this treatment, follow their guidance on how to prepare for this procedure. With good preparation, you can ensure you have a safe and effective treatment.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for laser hair removal:
Avoid Sun Exposure
At least two weeks before your appointment, stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds. Laser hair removal on sunburned skin could cause pain, burning, and discoloration. If you need to go outside, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Stop Waxing and Tweezing
To get the best results, don’t pluck or wax your hair 4-6 weeks before your treatment. If you remove your hair from the root before treatment, the laser won’t be able to destroy the hair follicles.
Shave 24 Hours Before Your Appointment
Shaving the day before your hair removal is okay because it keeps the hair follicle intact. Trimming or shaving the hair above the skin helps the laser target the follicles more easily. When you do this step, you’ll also lower your chances of getting burned during treatment.
Don’t Use Bleach
Since the laser finds the roots of hair, it’s best not to bleach your hair. Bleach lightens the hair pigment, which makes it more difficult for this treatment to target the hair follicles.
Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
As you get closer to your laser hair removal appointment, there are certain skincare products you should stop using. Exfoliants, retinoids, and glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive before treatment.
Don’t Take Blood-Thinning Medications
When you have a consultation with your provider, be sure to discuss the medications you are taking. Before your treatment, you may need to discontinue blood-thinning drugs briefly. These medications can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
Arrive With Clean Skin
On the day of your laser hair removal, don’t wear any makeup or creams. These beauty products could make your treatment less effective and increase your risk of complications.
Wear Comfortable Clothing For Your Appointment
Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal to wear for your session. This type of clothing is comfortable and will allow your provider to treat your skin more easily. Wearing tight clothing could irritate your skin.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Wondering what laser hair removal feels like? With advanced technology, many people find it to be virtually painless. At SKINNEY Medspa, we use Alma Harmony XL to provide our clients with the most comfortable and effective laser hair removal experience. This FDA-cleared laser removes hair quickly, treating legs, underarms, and the bikini area within 30 minutes.
When you come in for your laser hair removal, your esthetician will start by cleaning your skin. You will be given eyewear to protect your eyes. During treatment, Alma Harmony XL emits bursts of light to destroy hair follicles. This device features a chilled tip, reducing discomfort.
Many of our patients remain comfortable during their laser hair removal and find it easy to schedule their session during their lunch break. After treatment, most people are able to return to their daily routines without any downtime.
Are There Any Risks and Side Effects?
The risks of laser hair removal depend on your skin type and treatment. It’s common to experience temporary redness, swelling, and skin irritation. Fortunately, these side effects usually fade within a few hours. It’s also possible for the treated skin to appear darker or lighter after treatment, but this discoloration tends to subside in a few weeks. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions will help you heal more quickly after your treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
After your laser hair removal, it’s important to take care of your skin. When you follow your provider’s aftercare instructions, you’ll minimize your risk of infection, helping you achieve longer-lasting results.
Here are some of our top aftercare tips:
Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
After laser hair removal, it’s normal to see some swelling. Putting an ice pack on the treated area will help this side effect subside. Normally, swelling lasts for a few hours after this treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure
UV rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation. After your laser hair removal, try your best to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin. Even if it’s a cloudy day, it’s still a good idea to use sunblock because UV rays could still impact your results.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
After laser hair removal, it’s okay to touch your skin, but try not to overdo it. You can wash it gently with a fragrance-free cleanser and moisturize it to keep it hydrated. Don’t rub, scratch, or pick at your skin after treatment.
Avoid Sweating
Strenuous workouts and visiting saunas can cause sweating. It’s okay to go for a walk and do lighter activities, but excessive sweating may irritate your skin, making redness and swelling worse. It can also lead to a bacterial infection.
Don’t Swim For At Least 24-48 Hours
Once you’ve gotten your laser hair removal, your skin will be sensitive for a few days. Swimming too soon after your treatment can increase your risk of irritation. Chlorine and bacteria from pools and other bodies of water cause redness, itching, or infection.
Avoid Tanning Products
Spray tans contain chemicals that could irritate your skin. Since your skin will be more sensitive after laser hair removal, these products can make you more susceptible to burning. Natural and artificial tanning boost melanin, which can lead to dark spots.
Don’t Wear Makeup
After your laser hair removal, wait at least 48 hours before applying makeup to the treated area. Makeup can clog pores and increase your risk of infection. Waiting to wear it again will give your skin time to heal.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
If you have any more questions about laser hair removal, feel free to ask our team. Here are a few we get asked.
Can I Do Laser Hair Removal at Home?
Ultimately, at-home devices for laser hair removal won’t achieve the same results as a professional treatment. These devices operate at lower energy levels, so it can take multiple attempts to achieve your desired outcome. Professional lasers operated by trained professionals can more easily and effectively remove hair.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is ideal for light-skinned candidates with dark hair. This contrast allows the laser to identify the melanin in the hair follicles more easily. However, this treatment can be performed safely on all skin types. To find out if you’re a good candidate, schedule a consultation with a trained esthetician.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The answer depends on what you’d like done and how fast your hair grows. Usually, when our clients get smaller facial areas treated, like the upper lip or sideburns, they can come in for several sessions every 4-6 weeks. Larger treatment areas like the legs and bikini line may require appointments every 6-8 weeks. To find out how many sessions will be right for you, feel free to schedule a consultation with an esthetician at SKINNEY Medspa.
When Will I See Results?
Everyone experiences different results with laser hair removal. Generally, our clients start seeing improvements after the first few treatments and an optimal reduction in 6-8 weeks. The number of touch-ups you need depends on several factors, including your hair growth, skin type, and hormonal fluctuations.
Get Professional Laser Hair Removal in NYC and Miami
Ready to get rid of your unwanted hair and enjoy long-lasting results? Laser hair removal is a great way to target hair from the roots and slow its growth. With our advanced Alma Harmony XL laser, you can have a virtually painless, quick, and highly effective treatment. Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting cuts or razor burns again.
As the leading provider of laser hair removal in NYC and Miami, we’ll help you get the smooth skin you’ve always wanted—and just in time for summer. If you’re ready to see if this treatment is right for you, call (212) 754-6639 to schedule a consultation in NYC or (305) 717-7576 to see us in Miami.
