Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with the doctor to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option:<br />• Review medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures<br />• Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can't do for you<br />• Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews<br />At the consultation, discuss a treatment plan and related costs. Laser hair removal is usually an out-of-pocket expense.<br />The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal. These might include:<br />• Staying out of the sun: Follow doctor’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.<br />• Lightening your skin: Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin.<br />• Avoiding other hair removal methods: Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.<br />• Avoiding blood-thinning medications: Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.<br />• Shaving treatment area: Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.<br />Dr.Raneen Husham shaalan<br />Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq<br />