Laser Hair Removal Q&A
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Laser Hair Removal Recovery

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by David Shafer, MD
Question viewed 4,229 times
Tags: downtime, recovery

I'd like to get Laser Hair Removel during my vacation. What will recovery be like from a session?

8 answers to Laser Hair Removal Recovery

+1

Laser Hair Removal Recovery

The recovery after laser hair removal is really no big deal. You will have some redness of the areas for a few hours or so. Over the next few days the hairs will start to fall out. You may not want to have a laser hair removal treatment right before you go to a sunny destination as your skin may be sensitive and you should avoid the sun for a few days after the treatment. However, other that than, there is no downtime with laser hair removal. Good Luck. more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recovery Time from LASER Hair Removal

To effectively achieve permanent hair removal, a series of LASER treatments is necessary so you should not have to worry about scheduling around a vacation. Done properly at the correct settings, after the initial discomfort of the treatment there is virtually no recovery time needed.
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Virtually no down time

Laser hair removal is one of the true "lunchtime" procedures that dermatologists perform.  So long as the appropriate laser device is selected to ensure results and prevent damage to the skin, a patient can resume normal activities immediately with only minimal post-procedure care.
Corey L. Hartman, MD

Birmingham Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Recovery after laser hair removal depends on skin type and laser used.

A little redness and minor swelling around a treated hair follicle is normal and indicates a likely good result after a laser hair removal session. Some lasers cause the hair to come right out during treatment, but this isn't always the case. With some hair removal lasers, the hair may get naturally pushed out over the next several days, and it can look like a hair is growing! This is not the case, and does not mean the treatment has failed. It is very important to protect the... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ArtofDermatology.com

+1

What to expect during laser hair removal

What we as doctors want to see when we perform laser hair removal is some minor redness and swelling around each treated hair follicle.  That means the laser has found its target and is affecting the hair. This reaction lasts from a few minutes to about an hour or so.  There may be some minor itching during that time. After that, the hairs will be extruded from the hair follicle and for a few days may appear as if they were growing.  In fact, they are on their way... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Quick Recovery

After laser hair removal, there will be some immediate redness that may persist for 24-48 hours.  The treated hairs may be slightly irritated.  Overall, there are very little side effects after laser hair removal, and you may return immediately to your normal activities.
Mandy Lynn Warthan, MD

Dallas Dermatologist
+1

Laser Hair Removal Recovery

An effective laser hair removal treatment will lead to redness, irritation and small bumps immediately around the hair follicles after the treatment. Redness and the "ant bite" bumps may persist for up to 2 days. In the period immediately after laser hair removal your skin will feel hot and irritated and it is advised cool the area with ice packs until irritation subsides. Wear sunscreen at all times before, during and after treatment if possible.
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal Recovery

It depends on the Laser that was used. Most laser treatments cause some mild thermal damage to the skin. Think of it as a mild sun burn. After the treatment it might take up to two weeks for the skin to heal at the cellular level. After the treatment you might have goose bumps red in color, mild swelling and some pain. It should not last longer than 2 days. After that your skin will feel normal. In about 10 to 14 days some of the hair will fall out of the treated area. What should you do... more
Tanveer Janjua, MD

Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

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