If you have decided on laser hair removal, a few simple steps before your first treatment will help make the procedure more comfortable and the results better. The laser acts via the pigment in the hair root, so it is important that the hair is in the follicle and the skin as calm as possible. In this guide, we have gathered everything in one place: what to do four weeks before, …
If you have decided on laser hair removal, a few simple steps before your first treatment help make the procedure more comfortable and the result better. The laser works via the pigment in the hair root, so it is important for the hair to be in the follicle and the skin as calm as possible. In this guide, we have gathered everything in one place: what to do four weeks before, what to do two weeks before, and what to do on the day of the treatment itself.
First, a consultation
Before your first treatment, you come in for a consultation. We assess your skin type and hair colour, thickness, and density, and based on that, we choose the laser and parameters. Tell us which medications and cosmetics you use, whether you have recently been in the sun, and if you have any chronic medical conditions. It is also the right time for all your questions: how many treatments you need, what kind of result you can expect, and how to care for your skin after the treatment. The laser does not work on grey and very light hairs, and we will tell you that straight away. Laser hair removal with us is performed by a registered nurse or technician with a licence and experience in laser procedures.
Four weeks before: no waxing, tweezing or sugaring
The laser targets the hair by the pigment in its root. When hair is removed by waxing, tweezing, sugaring or an epilator, the root is gone and the laser has nothing to act upon. Therefore, do not pluck hairs from the root for four weeks prior to the treatment, nor throughout the entire course of treatments. Plucking can also irritate the skin and cause ingrown hairs, making the treatment more unpleasant.
Shaving the day before treatment
Shaving removes only the part of the hair above the skin, leaving the root intact. Shave the day before the treatment so that the skin is smooth and the root is ready for the laser.
Two weeks before: no sun or sunbeds
After sunbathing, the skin has more melanin, so some of the laser energy is absorbed by the skin instead of the hair. This increases the risk of redness, burns or dark spots, so treatment on tanned skin is postponed. Therefore, avoid the sun and sunbeds for at least two weeks before treatment and two weeks after. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas, such as the face and hands. Do not use self-tanning products before treatment either.
Cosmetics and medications
For a few days before the treatment, do not apply products containing retinol or AHA/BHA acids to the area, as they make the skin more sensitive. On the day of the treatment, the skin should be clean, free from creams, lotions, perfumes, deodorants and makeup. If you are taking medications that increase sensitivity to light, please be sure to tell us.
On the day of the treatment
Wash the area with a mild, alcohol-free cleanser and dry it thoroughly. Wear comfortable, loose clothing so that nothing rubs or presses on the skin after the treatment. During the treatment you will feel a mild stinging sensation, and the laser's cooling system makes it tolerable.
After treatment
Skin may be slightly red for a few hours. In the following days, apply a soothing cream, avoid the sun and sunbeds for two weeks, and use a high-factor sunscreen after that. Between treatments, shave only – do not pluck or wax. The interval between treatments is about 6 weeks for the face and 6 to 8 weeks for the body. We have explained how long-lasting the results are and why a series of treatments is necessary in our article about does laser hair removal remove hair permanently.
When laser hair removal is not performed
Laser hair removal is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, nor in cases of epilepsy, vitiligo, psoriasis, malignant and certain chronic diseases, during treatment with medications that increase sensitivity to light, or on fresh scars. If any of this applies to you, please let us know before the treatment.
Price and booking
Prices for each treatment area can be found in our laser hair removal price list.
Imedic poliklinika is located at Kneza Miloša 23, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 9:00 to 21:00. Appointments can be booked by phone on 064 237 0707, and we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
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Dr Ivica Jeremić
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