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No, it is not recommended to take ibuprofen before laser hair removal. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication that can thin the blood and make you more susceptible to bruising. Bruising is a common side effect of laser hair removal treatments, so it is best to avoid taking ibuprofen in the days leading up to your appointment.
If you are taking ibuprofen for another reason, such as pain relief, you should stop taking it at least 48 hours before your laser hair removal appointment. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. It is important to follow your laser hair removal provider’s instructions carefully before and after your treatment. They can provide you with specific information about what medications you can and cannot take.
Why You Should Avoid Ibuprofen Before Laser Hair Removal
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain in the body. While ibuprofen is very effective at reducing inflammation, it can also thin the blood by inhibiting blood clotting.
Laser hair removal uses targeted light pulses to destroy the hair follicles beneath the skin. The high heat from the laser can cause minor bleeding and bruising of the hair follicles and surrounding tissue. Because ibuprofen thins the blood, it increases the risk of excess bleeding and bruising from laser hair removal treatments. For this reason, most laser hair removal providers will instruct patients to avoid taking ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications before the procedure.
What Pain Relievers Are Safe Before Laser Hair Removal?
While ibuprofen should be avoided, you can take other over-the-counter pain relievers that do not thin the blood and increase bruising. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is a good option for relieving minor pain before laser hair removal. Acetaminophen works differently than ibuprofen and does not have a blood-thinning effect or impact on blood clotting.
You can also use topical numbing creams that contain lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in the area it is applied to. Numbing creams can help reduce discomfort during laser hair removal without increasing the risk of bruising like ibuprofen. However, you should only apply numbing creams as directed by your laser hair removal technician. Some creams may need to be applied at least 30 minutes before the procedure to take full effect.
Other Tips for Reducing Discomfort During Laser Hair Removal
In addition to avoiding ibuprofen and using safe alternatives like acetaminophen and numbing cream, there are a few other things you can do to make laser hair removal more comfortable:
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine before your appointment. Both can make you more sensitive to pain during the procedure.
- Ask if cooling gel can be applied to the treatment area. Cooling gel helps numb the area and prevents overheating from the laser.
- Apply moisturizer to the treatment area in the days leading up to your appointment. Keeping your skin hydrated will minimize irritation from the laser.
- Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. Antihistamines like Benadryl can reduce discomfort from the heat and light emitted by the laser. However, check with your doctor first, especially if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.
- Ask if a topical cortisone cream can be applied after the treatment. Cortisone helps reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. It can help provide relief as the skin heals.
- • Apply aloe vera gel to the treatment area after your appointment. The cooling, soothing gel will help reduce discomfort from laser hair removal.
- Ask your technician about ways to maximize your comfort during the procedure. They can make minor adjustments to the laser settings and techniques to minimize pain based on your sensitivity and pain tolerance.
- Relax as much as possible. While laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, staying relaxed and still during the procedure will allow the technician to work quickly and minimize the amount of time you experience pain. Take deep breaths to help keep your body relaxed.
Aftercare – What to Expect After Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
After laser hair removal, you can expect the treated area to be red and swollen for several hours up to a couple of days. You may also experience minor bleeding, bruising, irritation, and sensitivity. These side effects are normal and will subside as the skin heals. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your laser technician to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. This will typically include:
- Avoiding sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 2 weeks. Sun exposure can irritate the skin and cause hyperpigmentation.
- Avoiding heat and friction to the treated area for 1-2 days. This includes hot showers, baths, saunas, and exercise.
- Applying aloe vera gel and cortisone cream as directed to help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Avoiding skin care products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, retinol, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide for 3-5 days. These can further irritate the sensitive skin.
- Not scratching or picking at the treated area. Scratching can lead to infection and scarring.
- Washing the treated area gently twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry instead of rubbing.
- Moisturizing the treated area daily with a fragrance-free moisturizer once irritation has subsided. This helps hydrate the skin and speed healing.
- Contacting your laser technician if you notice signs of infection like pus, worsening redness or swelling, or fever. While unlikely, infections can occur and may require antibiotics.
By carefully following pre-treatment and aftercare instructions, you can minimize discomfort during and after laser hair removal and ensure the best results from your procedure. Be patient through the healing process, avoid blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen, and call your technician with any concerns you may have. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to be effective, so learning how to maximize your comfort and properly care for your skin will prepare you for your next appointment.