Paintsongs Skin Consult Desk

Plain information

What to know before laser hair removal

Read what the treatment involves and what to ask, then send a request to a provider near Rochester when you are ready.

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Laser hair removal, in plain terms

A few basics cover most of what people want to know first:

  • A handheld device sends light pulses into the skin over the area.
  • The light is aimed at the pigment in hair.
  • Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart.
  • Most people have a series of sessions. How many varies.
  • Skin tone and hair color affect which device fits.
  • Shaving the area beforehand is usually requested. Waxing and plucking usually are not.

A licensed provider decides what is suitable at a consultation, after asking about your skin, hair and health.

Questions to ask about laser hair removal

Useful questions for a laser hair removal consultation:

  1. Which device do you use, and why is it right for my skin and hair?
  2. Who will run my sessions, and what training do they have?
  3. How many sessions do people usually have for this area, and how far apart?
  4. Do you do a test patch?
  5. What should I avoid ahead of each session, and afterward?
  6. What side effects are possible, and what should I do if one happens?
  7. How is cost worked out for a series?

See questions to ask for more.

A short list to bring

For a laser hair removal consultation, bring:

  1. photo ID
  2. a list of medicines and supplements
  3. notes on recent sun, tanning or self-tanner
  4. your hair removal history for each area
  5. dates of trips or events in the coming months
  6. your questions

Wear clothing that makes the area easy to show. If you have a tattoo or mole in the area, mention it so the provider can plan around it. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.

Questions about laser hair removal

Does recent sun matter?

Yes. A tan, a sunburn or self-tanner changes how skin responds to laser light, and many providers wait until it fades. Mention any recent sun and planned trips at your consultation. The provider may suggest planning sessions for times of year when sun exposure is lower.

Who may operate a hair removal laser?

That is set by each state, including New York, and rules differ. Some states limit it to physicians and nurses, while others allow trained technicians under supervision. Ask who will run your sessions, what training they have and who supervises them.

What does a session feel like?

People often describe it as a snapping or warm feeling on the skin. Many devices have built-in cooling, and some providers use cooling gel. Ask the provider about comfort options at the consultation, and tell them during a session if something feels wrong.

Tell a provider in Rochester what you would like to ask. You decide what happens after you talk.

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More consultation topics

Skin treatments

Facials, chemical peels and microneedling. Ask a local provider what each involves and which, if any, may suit your skin.

Injectables consultation

Start with a conversation. Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows.

Body treatments

Non-surgical body treatments such as body contouring. Ask a local provider what a treatment involves and whether it may suit you.