Laser hair removal can be an effective and pain-free solution to unwanted hair growth, but for some it may be uncomfortable. There are various strategies available to you for easing pain during treatment; try applying numbing cream before commencing the procedure.
Avoid taking ibuprofen before your appointment as it thins your blood, increasing the risk of bruising. Instead, try Tylenol instead which does not affect clotting mechanisms and does not thin blood.
Ibuprofen thins the blood
Ibuprofen, found in medications like Advil and Motrin, belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the body, ibuprofen thins blood and increases risk of bruising – so it is wise to avoid taking it prior to laser hair removal treatments.
Although ibuprofen does thin the blood, its effects are not as potency than true blood thinners such as aspirin. Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid which prevents platelets in the blood from clotting and reduces their ability to form blood clots – this makes aspirin an effective preventive treatment against heart attacks and strokes; Ibuprofen doesn’t possess this property and mostly acts as a pain reliever.
Ibuprofen not only thins blood, but can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding by diminishing protective mucus that protects stomach and intestines from damage – leading to ulcers, bleeding complications, or ulcers themselves.
NSAIDs may cause other adverse side effects, including dizziness, headaches and stomach upset. If any of these occur while taking an NSAID medication for laser hair removal, be sure to notify your physician prior to scheduling an appointment for laser hair removal.
On the night prior to an appointment, it’s wise to get plenty of sleep – this will help you feel more at ease during your procedure and can reduce anxiety levels. In addition, avoid drinking caffeine prior to any appointment as this could have adverse effects on both your mood and tolerance for pain.
Though not essential, shaven legs or armpits prior to laser hair removal is advised in order to ensure optimal results. Shaving will clear away hair and skin that might inhibit treatment results and ensure optimal outcomes for optimal results. Also if using ice packs or over-the-counter medication to ease pain relief measures be sure to shave first!
Before your appointment, avoid taking pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen; opt for something with acetaminophen, like Tylenol that will not thin the blood or increase bruising.
It increases the risk of bruising
Ibuprofen thins the blood, increasing your likelihood of experiencing bruising during laser hair removal treatments. To minimize this side effect, it’s wise to stop taking ibuprofen at least 48 hours prior to starting laser treatments; also be wary of any medications containing or having similar effects; for pain relief try switching over to something like Tylenol instead of Ibuprofen (ie acetaminophen).
Other factors can also increase your risk of bruising, such as medications and medical conditions. People living with hemophilia B or who lack factor IX protein to aid blood clotting may bruise more frequently than other people; those taking certain cancer drugs or having liver disease also are at greater risk as their bodies don’t produce enough platelets to stop bleeding easily.
As you get older, your skin loses the protective fatty layer that covers blood vessels beneath, increasing your susceptibility to bruising. Furthermore, hormones produced in your body such as cortisol may alter how blood clots.
To avoid bruising, the best approach is to follow an effective skin care routine and be conscious of which products you apply to your face. Involve a dermatologist when taking medications that affect hormones or increase photosensitivity; they will then help determine what preparation will work best before laser hair removal treatments begin.
As part of your preparation, it is wise to avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can reduce pain tolerance. In addition, drink plenty of water in order to keep skin hydrated. Furthermore, inquire with your dermatologist if topical numbing cream would help before your laser hair removal appointment.
If you plan to undergo injectable treatments such as dermal fillers or Botox injections, such as dermal fillers or Botox injections, plan to have these two days prior or one day post laser therapy treatment. Furthermore, avoid blood-thinning medication like aspirin and ibuprofen; vitamins A-E-K-Fish Oil as well as high doses of green tea which could further thin blood.
It can burn the skin
Laser hair removal uses focused light pulses to destroy hair follicles and surrounding tissue, often leaving behind red to pink skin reactions that include inflammation. While this may be uncomfortable, you can reduce any discomfort by applying cold compresses for 20 minutes each at a time over the affected area; this should help relieve sunburn-like sensations while soothing and moisturizing skin. Also try aloe vera gel application as this will keep it moist for longer.
Avoid taking blood-thinning medication such as ibuprofen before your laser hair removal treatment to decrease the chance of excessive bruising, such as Acetaminophen which is processed through your liver without thinnining your blood. Or consult your physician on safe pain relievers that can be used during laser hair removal treatments.
As soon as laser treatment has taken place, it is wise to avoid overly hot showers, saunas and exercise on the treatment area for one or two days following laser therapy. Furthermore, it would be prudent to wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on this area and avoid getting fillers, Botox injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion done in this region in order to minimize risks of hyperpigmentation.
As part of your preparation, it is recommended that you shave the area that will be treated. This will enable the laser to focus more closely on targeting hair follicles while protecting surrounding tissues from potential damage. In addition, prior to scheduling an appointment it would be wise to refrain from plucking, waxing and bleaching for at least six weeks in order to reduce complications that could arise from these procedures.
Pregnant women should avoid receiving laser treatments in areas near their uterus and reproductive organs. Furthermore, it’s crucial that you inform your technician if you have active herpes simplex infection; this will reduce the risk of herpes outbreaks.
Laser hair removal should not be attempted while on Tetracycline acne medication as this could increase sensitivity to UVA and UVB light rays, potentially increasing skin cancer risks. Furthermore, it should not be performed while breastfeeding or with an unprotected pregnancy.
It can cause an allergic reaction
Many individuals fear laser hair removal, but there are ways to mitigate discomfort. First step should be avoiding medication that thins your blood, such as ibuprofen. Instead, over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol may provide sufficient pain relief without increasing risk of bruising. Some individuals find relief using numbing creams commonly available at beauty salons which contain lidocaine for blocking nerve signals and relieving pain without increasing risk of bruising.
Other pain relief strategies include applying a cold compress or ice pack directly on the treatment area, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out substances that could worsen your symptoms, and limiting caffeine and nicotine use as they can make you more sensitive to pain. It may be useful having someone with you during appointments in order to stay calm and focused during an appointment.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, take extra precaution in avoiding skincare products which increase photosensitivity such as exfoliants, lotions and creams that contain ingredients known to increase photosensitivity such as exfoliants. It is a good idea to discontinue their use 2-3 days beforehand because some ingredients found within these skincare products may cause phototoxicity – an adverse reaction caused by sunlight.
After your treatment, it is normal for redness and swelling in the treated area to appear temporarily; this should subside within several hours. You should avoid rubbing as excessive rubbing may open pores and lead to scarring. You could apply aloe vera or arnica care gel several times daily in order to keep moisturization going strong while also protecting from further abrasions.
Before going through laser hair removal, it is advisable to refrain from shaving or waxing the area being treated for six weeks prior. This will allow the laser pulses to reach hair follicles without damaging your skin surface and increase chances of bruising. Furthermore, taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can increase risks.
