Pre-Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Prior to your first laser hair removal treatment, we will schedule a consultation for you with an American Laser Skincare professional who will take a complete medical history, assess your skin type, outline a custom treatment plan and answer all of your questions. Our skincare professionals will also provide an in-depth explanation of the laser hair removal process.

Preparation

For best results it is important to stay away from indoor, outdoor or sunless tanning for the course of treatment and avoid tweezing, waxing, threading or bleaching, because these hair removal methods can disturb the hair follicle and interfere with the laser. You should also avoid topical products such as deodorants, creams and lotions. Feel free to shave as often as you like, in fact you will need to shave prior to your laser hair removal treatment.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment

There are three phases of hair growth — Anagen (active), Catagen (regression) and Telogen (resting). Laser technology is designed to treat hair in the Anagen phase. Between your appointments some of the hair will grow as it cycles through the phases. Hairs that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be active. This is why you will need a series of treatments, so that hair can be targeted as it moves into the growth phase. During the laser hair removal process, laser-focused beams of concentrated light penetrate the outer layers of skin directly into the hair follicles below. The laser light transforms into heat which effectively destroys the follicle.

The number of treatments you need will vary by individual. Factors like age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism, can influence hair growth and play a role in the location, thickness and resilience of your hair. During your consultation our skincare professionals will assess your individual skin type and address other factors that may affect the laser hair removal process.

What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?

Because laser light produces heat, you will feel a sensation during your treatment. Some clients describe it as feeling like a rubber band pop, others say it feels like a warm pinch—the response is as individual as the treatment. How much discomfort you may feel can be affected by type, thickness and density of your hair, as well as the area being treated. If you do experience discomfort our technicians are well trained to respond.

Popular Treatment Areas

Abdomen
Arms
Back
Beard
Bikini Line
Chest
Chin
Neck
Underarms

Treatment Time (Duration of Treatment)

The length of a laser hair removal session may range from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. A small area such as the upper lip or chin, generally takes about 30 minutes. A larger area such as the back or full leg may require an hour or so.     

Post-Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Immediately following the laser hair removal treatment, the area will be iced for a few minutes then post-procedure lotion and sun block may applied. We recommend continuing this protocol for 2-3 days.

Immediate after-effects are specific to individual treatment but may include temporary redness or swelling. Most people return to normal activity right away. For clients who experience redness or swelling, applying ice packs can cool the skin and reduce swelling. We also recommend limiting activities that produce heat, like taking hot baths, saunas or hot tubs, because this may irritate the treated area.