All cosmetic laser treatments technically operate the same way when performing a hair removal procedure. The IPL or cosmetic laser uses light energy to destroy the hair folicle.

The patient should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of the treatment. Instruct clients not to wear dark clothing near the area to be treated as the pigment in the clothing could potentially be absorbed by the IPL or cosmetic laser.

Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. In most situations, a cooling gel or other cooling apparatus is applied to the skin.

A spot test, or patch test, should be performed on the intended treatment area. (Small white sheets of paper with perforated holes are often available for spot testing patients.) In the spot test procedure, the test paper is placed over the area to be treated and one firing of the laser or IPL device is applied over the hole in the paper. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, the area is checked for unusual redness swelling, bruising, or any other undesirable responses. If the area emits a slight reddish hue with no other abnormalities, the device settings are optimal. Patients with darker skin types or suntanned skin could experience a paradoxal response where the laser or light therapy may stimulate more hair to grow instead of causing follicular destruction. Patients with dark or ethnic skin types should be spot tested a month before proceeding with a full treatment.

Some cosmetic lasers or IPLs require a second pass over the treatment area with different settings.

Laser Hair Removal: Post Treatment

After a cosmetic laser or IPL hair removal treatment the patient may experience a mild burning sensation and redness. Exposure to ultraviolet light (sun, tanning beds/booths) should be avoided. A sunscreen with an SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection should be applied to the skin prior to leaving the office.

In the case of burning or blistering, a topical antibiotic medication should be applied to the area covered by a loose fitting, non-adherent bandage. The physician should be consulted.

Some patients may experience pigment changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin that could last for weeks or possibly months.

After the IPL or cosmetic laser hair removal treatment, the portion of the hair which remains under the skin will be expelled. The patient should be made aware that an actively growing hair is the only follicle which will respond to laser and light therapy. This is especially more noticeable in areas of the body which has thicker or more coarse hair such as the axillae and genetalia. It is important to educate the patient about the process of hair follicle destruction.

Laser hair removal patients should also be informed that no laser or IPL device can destroy all of the hair follicles… especially after only one treatment or procedure. Some hairs are in their dormant state and can’t be treated, some have been placed into a prolonged dormant state due to the procedure effects, and others have been transformed into vellus hairs (light, fine hairs). Several treatments are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome. A maintenance procedure performed at yearly intervals is recommended for permanent hair removal.

Skin Clinic MD is a medspa community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 3,500 medical spa members world-wide. Medical Spa MD offers one-of-a-kind physician resources like wholesale Botox and offers information on nonsurgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments for skin clinic & laser clinic patients.

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