Are you thinking about giving up traditional hair removal methods in favor of the ease and longevity of laser hair removal? If so, you’ve probably heard that today’s laser hair removal technology provides effective, long-term results with minimal discomfort. However, while you might be excited about abandoning the aggravations of shaving, waxing, and tweezing, you might be unclear about what to expect with your first laser hair removal treatment.

If so, Southwest Florida’s Tru Glō Medspa offers you the following laser hair removal primer, with details on preparing for your first treatment session.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is more effective than traditional hair removal methods because the laser’s energy targets hair follicles rather than surface hairs. By destroying the follicles, the treatment limits future hair growth and the need to cut, shave, wax, or tweeze it.

For laser hair removal in the Naples, Florida, area, Tru Glō Medspa relies on the Alma Soprano® XL, one of the most advanced, FDA-approved laser hair removal devices on the market. The Soprano® XL works by using pulsed laser energy to target and destroy the melanin within the hair follicles. By specifically targeting melanin, the Soprano® XL technology helps make laser hair removal at Tru Glō Medspa safe and effective for all skin types.

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

There are several actions you should take before your first appointment to help ensure optimal results, including:

• To ensure hair follicles are in place, do not wax or tweeze for at least six weeks before your first laser hair removal session.
• To avoid skin pigmentation, avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your appointment.
• Do not apply any skincare products to the area being treated, as their components might not react well with the laser energy and potentially cause irritation, pigmentation, and even light burns.
• If you shave before your session, make sure you use a new blade, as a used blade could carry bacteria that might cause contact dermatitis. 
• Inform your aesthetician about any medications you’re taking because some antibiotics may increase susceptibility to photosensitivity.
• Try to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment.

Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment at Tru Glō Medspa

Your laser hair removal treatment at Tru Glō Medspa begins with shaving the treatment area if you have not already done so. The pre-laser shave is necessary to prevent heated surface hairs from damaging your skin. After your aesthetician has finished shaving the area, they will apply a special gel to your skin that provides a dual purpose of cooling your skin and helping the Soprano® XL device glide smoothly across your skin. You will also be provided with protective eyewear. Once you’re ready, your aesthetician will gently move the laser device over the treatment area. The cooling gel and a cooling applicator on the Soprano® XL device help ensure you’ll feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Post-Treatment Considerations

Side effects that affect some patients after the procedure include mild skin redness or skin sensitivity, but it typically doesn’t last long and causes minimal discomfort. Hairs within the skin will detach from the destroyed follicle, work their way out, and fall off over the next 30 days. You can gently scrub and exfoliate treated areas, but don’t try to force out any hairs before they are ready. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel rather than wiping yourself dry. You should avoid sun exposure or ensure a powerful sunblock protects your skin for at least a week after treatment and treat your skin with aloe vera or a Vitamin E gel.

One Other Thing to Keep in Mind

Because the Sopranoâ XL targets melanin, multiple treatment sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart are needed to provide optimal results. Human hair growth is cyclical, as each hair follicle phases in and out of its specific growth and resting state. Because melanin cannot be affected during the resting state, multiple sessions are needed to ensure that all follicles—and supporting melanin—are zapped during their growth phase.

Turn to Naples-Based Tru Glō Medspa for Your Laser Hair Removal

If you want to learn more about laser hair removal and how it can help you abandon traditional hair removal methods, one of our aestheticians would be glad to speak with you. To schedule a consultation, contact our Naples, Florida-based medical spa through our website’s contact page or by calling 239-919-7009.