Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for a First Timer?

For many people, laser hair removal is a reasonable option, but no laser treatment is without risk. Whether it is right for you depends on your skin, your hair, your health and your history. At The Glow Suite in Coral Gables, DiolazeXL (laser hair removal) starts with a consultation, so we can look at all of that before anything is booked.

What can go wrong with laser hair removal?

Side effects of laser hair removal are generally mild and short term. Redness and swelling in the treated area are the ones people hear about often. Less often, laser treatments can cause blisters, burns, or changes in skin color. Scarring is uncommon, but it is possible.

Some things can raise the risk. A recent tan or sunburn is one. Certain medications are another. So are some skin conditions. This is why a first-timer should not skip the planning step.

We cannot say that any treatment will go without side effects, and we cannot say what result you will have. What we can do is tell you plainly what is generally known and what depends on you.

Why does a first visit start with a consultation?

Every treatment at The Glow Suite starts with a consultation. For DiolazeXL, you meet Sydney Cajuso, FNP-BC. She looks at your skin and sets out the plan with you before anything is booked.

Treatments at The Glow Suite are under the oversight of Karan Chopra, M.D., Medical Director of The Glow Suite. Dr. Chopra is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

What should I tell my provider before laser hair removal?

Be as complete as you can. Providers generally ask about the points below, and it helps to think about them ahead of time.

• Recent sun exposure, tanning, or sunburn
• Medications and supplements you take, including skin care products
• Skin conditions, cold sores, or a history of scarring
• How you remove hair now, such as shaving, waxing, or plucking
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Any past reaction to a laser or light treatment

Your answers shape the plan. They can also change the timing, or whether laser hair removal makes sense for you at all.

How can a first-timer get ready?

In general, people are asked to limit sun exposure and to avoid tanning, including sunless tanning products, before laser hair removal. Many providers also ask people to stop waxing and plucking for a while, because those methods remove the hair root. Shaving is often the method people are told to use instead.

These are general points, not rules for every person. Your own instructions can differ based on your skin, your hair and your health. Ask about them when you meet with Sydney, and follow the advice you are given for you.

It also helps to know that eye protection is generally worn during laser treatments. Ask about it if you are treating an area near the face.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends. Hair grows in cycles, so laser hair removal generally involves more than one session. The number varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another. We cannot name a number until we have met you and looked at your skin.

You can read more on our DiolazeXL page or our page on unwanted hair.

What if something seems wrong afterward?

Call The Glow Suite at (305) 209-8811 if you notice a symptom or problem after a treatment. Tell us what you see and when it started. If a reaction is severe, such as trouble breathing or fast-spreading swelling, call 911.

A first time can bring up a lot of questions. That is normal. A calm conversation about your skin and your goals is a steady place to start.

If you are thinking about laser hair removal for the first time, we would be glad to talk with you. Book a consultation with Sydney Cajuso, FNP-BC, or call or text The Glow Suite at (305) 209-8811. We are at 3850 Bird Rd, Suite 601, Miami, FL 33146, in Coral Gables.