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If you have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to shaving, or simply want to eliminate the hassle of shaving all together, laser hair removal might be right for you.

Shaving can be frustrating and sometimes hair shows up in places we’d rather it didn’t. Laser hair removal provides a hair removal option for those who are looking to ditch the razor, wax or thread.

Casey Braun, PA-C, physician assistant at Geisinger Medical Center, explains how this procedure works and its benefits.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is a process that can remove hair from any part of your body. “If you have hair on your upper lip that you want to get rid of, laser hair removal can help,” says Ms. Braun. “It can also remove hair from larger parts of your body, like your arms and legs.”

This treatment uses a laser to target the root of each hair follicle in the area you’re having hair removed. The root of the hair follicle is destroyed, and your hair will grow back slower. That means you’ll shave, wax or thread a lot less.

Our team uses the Lumenis Splendor X, which allows us to customize the laser to different skin types, hair color and thickness. The Lumenis Splendor X uses cooled air that’s applied throughout your procedure. This helps increase your comfort and lessen irritation.

How to prepare for laser hair removal

Before your laser hair removal treatment, there are a few guidelines you should follow:

  • Shave the night before your treatment
  • Avoid waxing or plucking 1 month before the procedure
  • Don’t exfoliate
  • Avoid sun exposure 1 month before your treatment
  • Stop topical retinoid therapy 24 hours prior to procedure
  • Wait 6 months following oral isotretinoin use before receiving treatment

Following these precautions and steps will help prepare your skin properly for the treatment, especially if you’re having laser hair removal to the hair on your face.

Caring for your skin after laser hair removal

After each laser hair removal treatment, avoid the gym for 24 hours. Sweating creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, which is something you want to avoid after the procedure.

You should also avoid the following after treatment:

  • Exfoliating scrubs
  • Products with glycolic acid
  • Retinol creams
  • Fake tanning products (for two weeks after the procedure)

“It’s normal to experience redness, itching or slight discomfort after your treatment,” says Ms. Braun.

After your laser hair removal treatment, you may be given an ice pack to help easy any discomfort. To protect your skin after treatment, always wear sunscreen.

Laser hair removal treatments take up to 3 weeks for visible results and are done in a series of treatments depending on where on your body you’re having the procedure done.

If you’re interested in learning more about laser hair removal, schedule a consultation. “We’ll walk you through the process, talk about where you’re looking to have hair removed and discuss how laser hair removal can help you,” says Ms. Braun.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Casey Braun, PA-C
Interested in a chemical peel? Call today to schedule a consultation at 570-214-7968
Want to achieve glowing skin? A chemical peel can help

Call us today schedule an appointment at the Center for Aesthetics & Cosmetic Surgery:
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