When summer arrives, the last thing you want to do is cover your arms and legs to hide unwanted hair. Be confident in your favorite tank tops, dresses and skirts with laser hair removal at the Vein Centers of Connecticut! Despite popular belief, this procedure is in fact safe for the summertime, but there are some precautions patients should take. First, how exactly does our laser treatment work?
The Laser Hair Reduction Therapy Process
Laser hair reduction therapy involves exposing a laser beam of light over the desired area for body hair removal. This light is converted to heat, which helps slow hair growth in the treated area. We can treat hair from almost all areas of the body, from your face and armpits to your chest and legs. Our clinicians use the GentleYAG® and GentleLASE® laser systems by Candela, which have a skin-cooling feature that make hair removal more comfortable.
Tips to Protect Skin Before & After Treatment
Normal side effects of this procedure include minimal discomfort, slight redness and occasionally small bumps. Beyond these conditions, what else should patients know before treatment?
Limit Sun Exposure
About two weeks before and one week after laser hair treatment, patients should avoid excessive sun exposure and follow the care instructions outlined by a clinician to avoid these side effects:
- Hyperpigmentation: This harmless reaction causes areas of the skin to be darker than others.
- Hypopigmentation: The opposite of hyperpigmentation, this is the loss of skin pigmentation.
- Blisters: A rare side effect, you may see mild blisters or crusting on the skin, especially with a darker complexion.
- Scarring: Patients who do not follow their post-treatment instructions may see minor scars.
Additionally, if your skin sunburned, the procedure is not recommended. Furthermore, tan skin can make it more difficult to identify hair follicles, since the golden-brown tint is likely close to the color of your body hair. As a result, more laser energy will be absorbed on the surface of your skin, rather than the base of the hair follicle where growth needs to be stunted.
Avoid Water Activities
Stay away from pools, saunas, Jacuzzis and avoid engaging in other water activities for up to two days after laser treatment. You never know how your skin might react to extremely hot temperatures or pool chemicals, especially in a sensitive state.
Reschedule Other Spa Services
Additional laser procedures and chemical peels should be put off for at least two weeks following laser hair reduction therapy. Skin exfoliation should also be avoided for up to five days following your session. Certain scrubs can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
While it is a myth that laser hair reduction therapy is dangerous in the summertime, there are still safety measures to consider before receiving treatment. To learn more about our laser hair removal services, contact us today.