Getting Real Results from Laser Hair Removal

By Slone Mathieu, Dream Spa Medical Spa Director

We do a lot of laser hair removal treatments at Dream Spa Medical. Many of our initial consults have had previous treatments elsewhere. They arrive skeptical, and somewhat suspicious that a hair-free life is just a myth. They reference the poor results they had during past treatments, over the course of years, with some unknown laser. While we would love to simply say that we are better and offer a superior service, the truth is the client plays an equal role in the success or failure of their therapy. Here are a few tips to guarantee your good results...

1- DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Make sure your technician is trained and certified, familiarize yourself with the laser and its suitability for your skin type, and please understand that the treatment is designed to offer a permanent reduction in the hair growth. Subsequent sessions, or touch-ups, may be required over your lifetime.

2- PREP YOUR SKIN: Avoid the sun, sunless tanning solutions, and tanning beds for 3-4 weeks prior to service. The laser targets the melanin of the hair shaft, and may get confused if there is additional superficial pigment. This can result in a burn.

3- SCHEDULE YOUR TREATMENTS FOR SUCCESS: Follow your hair growth cycle. Hair goes through 3 growth phases. Anagen (active phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Only the hair follicle in the anagen phase, representing active growth, can be effectively treated. Each hair passes through these growth phases at varied times, which is why multiple and appropriately timed treatments are required. 6-8 weeks for facial hair; 8-10 weeks for body hair.

4- DONT CHEAT AS YOU TREAT: No plucking, waxing, threading or bleaching of the hair for 4-6 weeks prior to any treatment. The hair bulb, or root, needs to be intact for the laser to effectively target it. You may shave or trim hair growth in between sessions.

5- MANAGE YOUR DISCOMFORT: Be sure to advise your technician of any medical changes or prescription medications, as they may affect the results, as well as the sensation during the treatment. 800mg of ibuprofen is recommended. If you have a low threshold, ask your provider for assistance. Natural calming supplements or topical solutions may be offered.

Anyone who has battled the daily grind of shaving - the nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, brown spots, irritation, not to mention the cost and time - has probably dreamt of a razor-free life. As a woman who hasn’t picked up a blade in over 10 years, I have to say it’s very liberating. I only wish I did it sooner. For those of you that are interested in this procedure, here’s to doing it better!