What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

We would recommend that you do not take Ibuprofen before your laser hair removal session. There is a possibility that this medication may cause bruising after your treatment. We would ask that you stop taking any products containing Ibuprofen 48 hours before your session. This time will allow the body to flush out this medication so that it won’t affect the outcome of your treatment. If you experience bruising after laser please know that this is a very temporary reaction. Your skin will return to normal after a few days. We would recommend lightly massaging the area using Arnica cream a few days after to treatment to help with this.

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What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

Medication and laser hair removal

Some medications may cause your skin to become photosensitive. This basically means if you are taking them your skin will be sensitive to light. As we are using light and heat when we are performing laser it is important that we are careful.  If you are taking medications that may cause photo sensitivity laser may result in pigmentation on your skin.

Most medications that are taken to treat Acne cause photo sensitivity so it is not possible to have laser while taking these. There are recommended time frames that you would have to wait until before treatment. To find out more about laser if you are taking medication please contact us. Let us know the name of the medication you are taking so that we can advise you on how long you would need to wait. It is super important that all medications are disclosed to us so that we can safely and effectively perform your treatments.

Just to recap we do not recommend you take Ibuprofen before laser hair removal as it may lead to bruising.

If you have any questions or are concerned about any medications you may be taking contact our friendly team.  All medications must be checked beforehand to ensure they are safe. Your safety is our number one priority and we will never take risks with your skin.

A laser hair removal treatment should not be so uncomfortable that it requires pain killers. At Australian Skin Clinics, we use other methods to ensure the client is comfortable throughout the treatment by adjusting the laser settings and using controlled cooling. We do not recommend taking pain killers or other types of medication before laser hair removal treatment without consulting with your doctor.

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Getting rid of hair in undesirable places can be can annoying daily task. Laser hair removal provides a long-lasting solution, but you may have heard horror stories from friends or loved ones about the pain. It's important to remember that everyone is different. If you've found a qualified laser technician and are ready to schedule an appointment, there are several simple ways to prepare your mind and body for relatively painless repeated stints under the laser.

  1. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Get adequate sleep the night before. Try to go to bed early and get a full 8 hours sleep the night before your treatment. Lack of sleep can effect your mood and the systems that regulate your body -- including pain receptors.[1] Getting a good night's sleep before any medical procedure is highly recommended, so if you're under stress that is keeping you up at night, it may be a good idea to cancel or postpone your treatment.

  2. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    2

    Avoid laser hair removal immediately before or during menstruation. Changes in hormone levels during your period can affect your pain tolerance, so try not to schedule treatments for when you're most sensitive. Wait until a few weeks after your period have passed.

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  3. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    3

    Increase your water intake. Try to drink about a gallon of water on the day of your treatment. If you're scheduled for early morning, drink water before bed and when you wake up. Staying hydrated is always important -- and recent research has found that dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain.[2]

  4. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    4

    Avoid caffeine. While it may be hard to skip your morning coffee on the day of your treatment, it is said that caffeine increases pain sensitivity, so it's best to avoid it. If you drink caffeinated tea or other beverages, avoid those as well.

  5. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Shave the area. For the best results and least pain, shave the area the night before (or even two nights before) your scheduled treatment. You'll be less likely to experience irritation.

  6. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Purchase a good ice pack. You may want to ice the area immediately before and after the treatment, so pick up an ice pack that is comfortable to travel with and use. Icing the area for 5 - 10 minutes before treatment will numb it quite effectively, and you may find relief by icing the area on the way home or even the following day.

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  1. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    1

    Purchase a pain reliever to use prior to your appointment. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are widely used to reduce pain, and may be helpful in preventing pain if taken 30 to 45 minutes before your treatment. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, and be sure to read all labels and dosage instructions.

  2. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Ask your pharmacist about antihistamines. Some people report reduced pain when taking an over-the-counter antihistamine in the hours before treatment.[3] Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, and be sure to read all labels and dosing instructions.

  3. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    3

    Buy a numbing cream. These topical creams contain ingredients like lidocaine -- and can provide significant pain relief if applied immediately before your treatment.[4] Coordinate with your laser technician on the best time to apply a topical cream - you may be able to do so at home, or you may need to wait until you have reached the facility so that it doesn't wear off before your treatment.

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  1. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Remember to take it easy. If you've had treatments to your bikini line, armpits, or other highly-sensitive areas, you may want to wear loose fitting clothes or reduce your physical activity for the rest of the day. Always keep the treated area clean and sweat-free.

  2. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Apply sunscreen before heading outside. Your laser-treated skin will be sensitive and susceptible to sunburn, so depending on the area you've had worked on, you may need to apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors. If you are planning laser hair removal before a big beach trip or outdoor vacation, make sure to plan for healing time before you go, and apply sunscreen every day. Use an SPF of 30 or higher for maximum protection.

  3. What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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    Don't scratch the area! You may experience itchiness, but scratching is a big no-no. Scratching your treated skin can lead to inflammation or irritation - so leave the area alone and let it heal. If you are experiencing itching post-treatment, use your ice packs, over-the-counter meds, or take a cool, soothing bath.

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    How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

    What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

    Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.

    What pain reliever can I take before laser hair removal

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  • To help ensure that you will not experience major laser hair removal pain, check out the credentials of the professional who will be performing the procedure.

  • Follow the advice and instructions of the professional performing the procedure for best results.

  • Bring a friend with you the day of your laser hair removal procedure to help keep you calm and focused.

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Article SummaryX

To reduce laser hair removal pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30-45 minutes before your appointment. You can also apply a topical numbing cream to the area before your appointment. Alternatively, ice the area with an ice pack for 10-15 minutes. Wear loose clothes to your appointment and limit your physical activity for the rest of the day to avoid excessive friction that could irritate your skin. If you experience any itching, try applying an ice pack to the area or taking a cool bath. You want to avoid scratching the area so you don't make the irritation worse. For more expert laser hair removal tips, check out the full article below!

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Can I take medicine before my laser hair removal treatment?

To take it a step further, most laser hair removal clinics ask you to stop taking any product that contains Ibuprofen 48 hours before your session. This way all the chemicals can leave your body before the treatment and this makes sure that your medicine intake won’t interfere with the treatment.

How can I manage laser hair removal pain?

If you are experiencing itching post-treatment, use your ice packs, over-the-counter meds, or take a cool, soothing bath. To help ensure that you will not experience major laser hair removal pain, check out the credentials of the professional who will be performing the procedure.

Can I apply a topical cream before my laser treatment?

Coordinate with your laser technician on the best time to apply a topical cream - you may be able to do so at home, or you may need to wait until you have reached the facility so that it doesn't wear off before your treatment. Remember to take it easy.

Can you take photosensitive drugs with laser hair removal?

There are two kinds of photosensitivity that can result from combining photosensitive drugs with laser hair removal: drug-induced photosensitivity and natural skin photosensitivity. Drug-induced photosensitivity occurs when you take a photosensitive medication either orally or topically before your laser treatment.

What can I take for pain before laser?

Acetaminophen or Tylenol taken one hour before your appointment may help reduce your pain experience. Be sure to avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and Alieve, which can thin the blood and cause bruising and bleeding during treatment.

What can I do to make laser hair removal less painful?

Immediately using an ice pack before and after your appointment for five to 10 minutes will numb the pain. Also, ice will cause relief pain after your laser hair removal treatment. Topical numbing cream is also a great alternative to use before treatment. You should apply it 20 to 30 minutes before your appointment.

Can I take Advil or Tylenol before laser?

Before Your Treatment No tanning, tanning beds, or tanning creams for 2 weeks before treatment. No aspirin, Advil, Aleve, or similar medications for 7 days before treatment (Tylenol is OK). If you are on a prescribed anticoagulant, discuss with your doctor in advance.

What happens if you take ibuprofen before laser?

We would recommend that you do not take Ibuprofen before your laser hair removal session. There is a possibility that this medication may cause bruising after your treatment. We would ask that you stop taking any products containing Ibuprofen 48 hours before your session.