Unwanted hair can really take a toll on your lifestyle. Whether it be in a hidden area, like your bikini line or under arms, or somewhere more noticeable, like your chin, pesky hair can be a hindrance because you’ll always be thinking about it. At Dermcare Laser & Skin Care Clinics, we offer laser hair removal with the Icon™ laser. The Icon™ laser treatment is long lasting and effective at removing unwanted hair from several areas of the body so that you no longer have to worry about when you need to shave, pluck, or wax.
Once you go into Dermacare San Diego for your consultation, our professionals will listen to your concerns and goals and will examine your skin to come up with the best plan of action. However, before your laser hair removal treatment, you will need to prep! Here are the three most important things to do as you prepare for your laser hair removal treatment session:
1. Protect Your Skin From the Sun
It is very important to protect your skin from the sun—now and always. A broad spectrum sunscreen is best to use, as it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Ensuring that you are free of any sunburns and/or sun tans before undergoing your laser treatment is crucial. Doing so lessens the risk of skin damage during your treatment. After your laser hair removal procedure, you should continue to keep your fresh, more sensitive skin protected by using a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher for complete protection.
2. Shave the Treatment Area
This part may seem a little strange (since you’re having laser hair removal!), but it is true. While you should not pluck, tweeze, or wax the area for four to six weeks before your treatment, shaving the treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your laser hair removal session is advised. This ensures that the Icon™ laser will reach the hair follicle to destroy it at its root without harming any of the surrounding skin in the treatment area.
3. Avoid Certain Medications
Some patients may take medications like blood thinners, birth control, or acne medications. These types of meds can negatively affect the laser hair removal treatment process. During your consultation, we’ll ask you to share a list of your medications with your medical provider. Safety and your health is our first priority, so it is important that you are honest with us during your consultation.
Wait for Your Results!
Though the laser targets the predetermined treatment area immediately, results can take some time to appear. Once you’ve had your laser hair removal treatment, you can sit back and wait. Over time, you will notice a reduction in hair in the treated areas. Now, you’ll be able to enjoy your summer days without worrying about whether your hair is visible or if you shaved before your fun, impromptu beach day!
For more information about laser hair removal, please call Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics. If you are in San Diego, please call 858-230-8040. If you are in Carlsbad, please call 760-206-8926. You may also fill out our online contact form.