
Laser hair removal has emerged as a leading choice for individuals seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair. With advancements in technology, modern laser systems have become more effective and safer than ever before. Today’s lasers can specifically target hair follicles while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. This evolution has not only improved the overall experience but also increased the treatment's effectiveness, making it a popular option for a diverse range of skin types and hair colors. MOBO Med Spa carries the Spectrum laser which has diode or YAG Laser capabilities.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The Spectrum uses the diode or YAG laser to emit wavelengths that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, generating heat that effectively removes and permanently reduces unwanted body hair. This pulse repetition rate can be adjusted up to 10-pulses per second allowing both small and large areas to be treated fast and effectively. The diode laser can be used on all skin types.
As the hair growth cycle varies, multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results. Initial laser hair removal treatments are sold in package of 6. Initial treatment will include 6 sessions approximately 6-8 weeks apart.
Preparing for your Laser Hair Removal:
- Don't Pluck: Prior to a laser hair removal treatment, patients must abstain from tweezing, waxing, or any other unwanted hair treatment that removes hair from its root. There must be hair in the hair follicle for laser hair removal to work. The laser is attracted to the melanin, or pigment, of the hair. The hair must be in its anagen, or active, growth phase.
- Don't Tan: You should also avoid sun exposure in the 4-6 weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment. Tanned skin has extra melanin, which attracts laser energy. Discontinue sun tanning, use of tanning beds and any application of sunless tanning products one month before the treatment. Always use an SPF 30 or greater sunblock on all exposed treatment areas. Wear sun protective hats and clothing.
- Don't Moisturize: Right before your laser hair removal treatment, avoid applying any lotion, sunscreen, perfume, or other similar cosmetics to the surface of your skin.
- Shave: Shave 1-3 days before your session. The idea is to have a nice, close shave, so that there is no hair outside the skin. It is best to have just enough hair to be visible so your laser technician knows what is to be treated.
- Skincare: Discontinue the use of exfoliating creams, including tretinoins or products containing retinols, 1 week prior to the entire treatment.
- Premedication: If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the areas being treated, a prescribed medication, like Valtrex is recommended for one week prior to the treatment prior to the treatment to help prevent an outbreak. If you need this prescription, contact your MOBO Med Spa provider.
What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment:
- Consultation: Your provider will go over your medical history, expectations and post-care in detail prior to the procedure and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
- Comfort: We will numb you prior to your procedure but you could experience some mild to moderate discomfort.
- Time: The procedure itself takes ________.
- Smell: There may be some slight charring of the small amount of stubble that gets hit by the laser. So, if you notice an odor of singed hair, that’s normal.
- Post procedure skincare: Your provider may recommend the following products after your laser hair removal treatment such as: a mild cleanser, a high quality sunblock SPF 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide >10%), and a good moisturizer.
Aftercare for Laser Hair Removal:
- Immediately after treatment: there may be mild redness and swelling at the treatment site, which may last up to 2 hours or longer. The redness may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area may feel like sunburn.
- Discomfort: For discomfort after the procedure, a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. If an open area occurs or if the treatment area is inadvertently picked an antibiotic ointment can also be applied. Apply ice packs or gel packs (do not apply direct ice) for first few hours after treatment to reduce any discomfort or swelling. If redness or swelling persists, ice packs can be continued.
- Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment unless there is blistering.
- Avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 3 weeks or until skin has returned to its normal baseline (no redness or swelling). Apply SPF 30+.
- Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. A few days post procedure, patients may experience mild peeling of the skin. The peeling is similar to the effects of sunburn. Continue to follow the skin care regimen offered by your provider. Do not pick at the peeling skin, as it may lead to scarring.
- Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or services (waxing, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle in the treatment area.
- Avoid hot showers
- Avoid intense workouts
- Avoid pools: You should avoid chlorine, hot tubs and swimming pools for __________.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes over the treatment area. For example, cotton underwear is the preferred underwear for after laser hair removal.
- Wash/Bathing: There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours. Wash the treated area and pat dry for 3 days after treatment. Do not scrub.
- Start gently scrubbing treated area on the 4th day (exfoliate).
- Day 5-10 after the treatment: Shedding of the surface hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth, it is the shaft that was below the skin and is being expelled. It may take 7-10 days for the shafts to be fully expelled.
When To Schedule Your Next Laser Hair Removal Treatment
- Initial treatment will include 6 sessions approximately 6-8 weeks apart. Additional treatments may be required for initial correction as well as for annual maintenance.
- At the next visit, it is important for the patient to let the practitioner know how long the redness lasted after treatment and when significant hair growth was noticed in the area. This info will allow the practitioner to individualize treatments to achieve the desired results.
If you have any additional questions, please call our office or schedule a Laser Hair Removal Consultation.