One procedure on the rise is for men is laser hair removal. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for 17% of all laser hair removal treatments, totaling 184,668 procedures in 2018.

Whether you want to enhance your athletic performance or say goodbye to stubborn ingrown hairs, laser hair removal could be an excellent option for you to get rid of unwanted body hair.

The Laser Hair Removal Treatment Process

If you’re looking to get rid of hair on your body, you’ll need to find a trustworthy practitioner, understand the hair removal process and know what you need to do to recover.

1. Find a Reputable Doctor with a Reputable Staff

With any procedure, it’s crucial to find the best person for the job. Before you select the doctor you want to perform your laser hair removal surgery, check to make sure the doctor is board-certified and has multiple successful laser hair removal procedures under their belt.

Read up on customer reviews and look for before and after pictures. Specifically, look for past male patients with skin pigmentation similar to yours so that you can get a better idea of how the treatment will work on your specific skin tone.

2. Pay Close Attention at the Consultation

Once you’ve found the perfect place to get your laser hair removal, the next step will be your consultation. Take the consultation as a time to get the information you need to feel comfortable come appointment day. This meeting is also a time for the doctor or staff to go over personal details with you regarding any medications you’re on, drugs you’re allergic to, previous surgeries, and any other medical conditions they should know about.

It’s normal to feel nervous, but addressing all questions, concerns, risks, and end goals can alleviate some worry:

• Ask questions: You should ask any questions you have so that you fully understand the procedure and how it works.
• Voice concerns: Go over any of your worries going into laser hair removal, and let the doctor help put your mind at ease.
• Talk about risks and potential complications: Expect the staff to go over risks and complications that could arise as a result of the procedure.
• Go over outcomes and end goals: You should also discuss your ideal outcomes with the doctor so that they can help you set realistic expectations.

3. Be Prepared for Your Appointment

You should feel ready to go on the day of your appointment, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that everything runs as planned.

Don’t pluck or wax the area you’re getting hair removed from for six weeks before the procedure, and avoid sun exposure on the area for at least three weeks beforehand. You should also shave the area on the day before or the day of your appointment — the shorter the hair, the better — or they will have to shave it for you when you arrive, and that may be an additional fee. Couple these tips with the information from your consultation, and you’ll be ready to go.

4. Follow The Advice for Ideal Recovery

Once you get through the procedure, you must carefully follow the doctor’s orders to have a smooth recovery that yields optimal results. Although many people go back to their normal daily activities following their laser hair removal session, there are still do’s and don’ts that you’ll need to pay attention to.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal has one primary goal — to cut down on body hair. Even with men’s thicker and more abundant body hair, this procedure can provide the desired results. Whether you want to eliminate the hassle of shaving and have more time in your day to get things done or just hope to change your appearance, don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from taking advantage of this cosmetic procedure. Here’s what to expect when you undergo laser hair removal treatments.

The Procedure

When you arrive at the procedure location with the area you’re getting lasered already smooth and shaven, the doctor, or possibly other members of their team, will start by cleaning the skin and putting you in a comfortable position.

The team may apply numbing gel, which takes anywhere from a half-hour to an hour to kick in, but it’s usually unnecessary. The Food and Drug Administration warns against using large amounts of numbing agents for the procedure, as some could have severe side effects. The doctor may also give you eye protection to wear since you’re coming into contact with lasers.

When it comes time to put the laser to the skin, doctors will hold the skin and slightly stretch it as they use the laser to vaporize the hair off. The laser gets down to the hair shaft past the epidermis and attacks it at the root to prevent regrowth without damaging the skin. However, it doesn’t kill off the follicle entirely and instead makes it much more challenging for hair to grow back.

You will likely notice a strong, pungent smell that many say resembles sulfur. The amount of time the procedure takes will depend on the area you’re targeting, but laser hair removal is still considered a relatively short procedure.

Potential Side Effects

After laser hair removal, you may experience certain side effects. Some side effects, like redness, discomfort, and swelling, are common and may last for up to three days after the procedure. Discomfort can include a burning sensation or pain. Many machines used in the procedure have cooling systems built in to help with some swelling before you leave, but otherwise, you can use an ice pack to keep pain and swelling down.

Areas of the Body Where Men Get This Procedure

One of the best things about laser hair removal is that it works for any part of the body. For places that are hard to reach or too painful to wax, get laser hair removal. For spots like the face that you’re used to shaving clean every day, taking up valuable time and money as you fly through razors, go with laser hair removal.

Maybe you’re a bodybuilder and want to get laser hair removal on your entire body to enhance your muscle definition in competitions. Perhaps you’re a cyclist and want laser hair removal on your legs to alleviate chafing and irritation. No matter why or where on the body, lots of men are reaping the rewards of laser hair removal.

Here are just a few other places that men are banishing body hair:

• Shoulders
• Chest and stomach
• Neck
• Back
• Bikini area

Pain Levels: What to Expect

Some people associate “procedure” with “pain,” but laser hair removal isn’t much to wince over. It’s important to note that everyone has different pain tolerances, so any pain associated with laser hair removal is subjective. Pain also may depend on the laser used in the procedure. However, with technology continually evolving, laser hair removal continues to find ways to be as gentle as possible, even when it comes to dealing with men’s thicker, coarser hair.

Generally, many describe the feeling of laser hair removal as a snap from a rubber band or a pinprick. Think about how many times you’ve cut yourself shaving or had a troubling ingrown hair. An hour or so of discomfort for long-term results is undoubtedly a fair trade-off. Plus, since many people return for additional treatments, you can know that it’s tolerable.

Recovery Process

Every procedure requires careful aftercare, and laser hair removal is no exception. Although the treatment is relatively low-maintenance, it’s vital to follow all of the doctor’s instructions to protect your skin and make the most of your results.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow while you’re in recovery for your laser hair removal treatment:

• Don’t work out immediately after the procedure — wait at least two days.
• Don’t visit a tanning bed or use any other tanning equipment.
• Don’t use any sunless tanners.
• Don’t have another laser hair removal treatment within four to six weeks of your last one.
• Do keep your treated skin away from direct sunlight.
• Do use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to protect your skin.
• Do strictly follow all instructions for aftercare, as it could reduce your chances of adverse side effects.
• Do listen to your doctor about when you can receive your next treatment — once every six weeks is typically safe.

Contact Dr. Brought for a Laser Hair Removal Consultation Today

Are you looking for a more manageable way to get rid of extra body hair? Say goodbye to razor nicks and patchy shave jobs in hard-to-reach places, and contact Dr. Brought and his staff at the Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute. Dr. Brought is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing attentive, exceptional care to patients in the Nashville area.

Dr. Brought and his team at SPRSI know how important it is for you to end your struggle with excessive hair and can provide you with the results you need through laser hair removal. Schedule your laser hair removal consultation and contact us today to get the care you deserve and put an end to unwanted hair.