The Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Preparation for laser hair removal can start weeks or months before your procedure depending on your circumstances. There are two basic concepts to keep in mind. The first is that you want your skin to be as light as possible and your hair to be as dark as possible when you have the procedure, because the laser targets the dark colored cells. Second, you want to avoid anything that makes you more likely to sunburn. Keeping those basic principles in mind, here are some things to avoid and things you should do prior to laser hair removal.

Avoid:

• Sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning products for four to six weeks
• Waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for three weeksAlphahydroxy acids, Retin A, and any other skin treatments which make your skin more sensitive to sunlight for two weeks
• Bleaching the hair which is to be removed
• Oral and topical acne treatments which increase sun sensitivity (ask you doctor how long the specific medication you are taking will stay in your system, and always talk to your doctor before discontinuing medication)

Do:

• Shave two to three days before the procedure so that you have some stubble
• Consider a skin bleaching regime if you have dark skin

For more information on laser hair removal, click here to visit an L.A. hair removal specialist's website.

To learn about hair transplants and hair replacement surgery, click here.