Can I Take Painkillers Before Laser Hair Removal
Painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly used to alleviate discomfort during medical procedures, but they may not be suitable for laser hair removal due to potential increased bleeding during the procedure. Painkillers can thin blood and prolong clotting, leading to increased bleeding, discomfort, infection risk, and other complications. They can also affect the skin’s response to the laser treatment, causing increased redness, swelling, or burns, which may result in longer recovery time and less effective treatment.
In this article we will discuss about what pain reliever can i take before laser hair removal and can you take ibuprofen before laser hair removal
What Pain Reliever Can I Take Before Laser Hair Removal
Consult your healthcare provider or the professional performing the laser hair removal treatment before taking any painkillers. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, painkiller type, and treatment plan. In general, it is recommended to avoid taking painkillers before laser hair removal unless directed by a medical professional. Instead, consider alternative pain management methods like numbing creams or cooling techniques to minimize discomfort without the potential risks associated with painkillers.
- 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).
- Tylenol One Hour Prior to Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
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 to Do After Laser Removal Treatment?
Once your appointment is over, you’ll want to focus on aftercare. It’s normal to experience swelling and redness in the treatment area after the procedure, and this could last for several days. It’s not uncommon for the treated area to feel similar to razor burn or sunburn for 2-3 hours after your appointment. You can turn to over-the-counter hydrocortisone or aloe vera if you want to help reduce redness and irritation.
The hair in the treatment area will slowly begin to shed over the next 1-2 weeks following your appointment. It’s typical to see hair patchiness as new follicles grow in, and as you near the end of your treatments, this unevenness will dissipate.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind following your treatment:
- Avoid excessive heat in the treatment area including hot tubs, saunas, or even working out for at least 24 hours after your session.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area and avoid using a tanning bed for at least two weeks following your appointment. You’ll want to use a broad-spectrum sunblock that has SPF 30 or above every day!
- Don’t use topical products that could increase photosensitivity for three days following your treatment, and always use a gentle cleanser and lotion.
- Avoid getting Botox, filler, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least two weeks.
Can You Take Ibuprofen 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.
It is not recommended to take ibuprofen before laser hair removal as it can increase the risk of bruising after treatment.
In fact, some sources advise against taking ibuprofen altogether before laser hair removal due to its photoreactive properties, which can cause the laser to burn and make the treatment less effective.
Instead, acetaminophen or Tylenol may be taken one hour before the appointment to help reduce pain.
It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your laser hair removal provider regarding medication use before and after treatment.
Before laser hair removal, pain relief options include over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and numbing creams. However, it is recommended to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) as they can thin blood and increase the risk of bruising. It is advised to wait a few days before taking ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications, especially within 8 hours of treatment. Acetaminophen can be taken an hour before the session to manage pain. Consult with a healthcare provider or laser hair removal specialist for specific instructions on pre and post-care.
