How to Prepare for Back and Chest Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted body hair can make you feel self-conscious, but it can also impact your athletic performance or hide your well-worn gains in the gym. Body hair doesn’t necessarily have to be an all-or-nothing thing either. 

Whether you want to thin out the hair on your back or chest or remove it all to highlight muscle definition, our dedicated team at Laser Bar and Spa can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with laser hair removal. Thanks to our state-of-the-art Cynosure® lasers, we proudly and effectively treat all skin and hair types.

In this article, we’ll cover the basic steps for preparing for back and/or chest hair removal.

Preparing for laser hair removal 

You can start preparing for laser hair treatment as early as six months before your treatments start. Below, we’ll take a look at a potential timeline to get you ready for your sessions.

Six months before your treatment

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s standard protocol to stop taking Accutane — a medication to treat acne — at least six months before receiving laser treatments of any kind. If you take Accutane and are considering laser treatments, don’t stop, change, or alter your dosage unless directed to do so. If you’re interested in laser treatments, talk to your prescribing health care provider about stopping treatment.

Two to three weeks prior to treatment

In the weeks leading up to your chest and/or laser treatments, you can do many things to prepare your skin, including: 

• Avoiding plucking and waxing (since these methods remove the hair follicle)
• Avoid self-tanning lotions
• Avoid tanning beds
• Avoid excessive UV exposure
• Avoid any photosensitive medications or creams
• Use SPF when venturing outside 

If you have any concerns about your specific preparations, don’t hesitate to ask. 

Day of treatment

On the day of your treatment, refrain from using any lotions, oils, or other topical applications. If you’re getting your underarms treated, skip the deodorant as well. 

Most importantly, shave the treatment area (with a fresh razor). For best results, shave within the 1-12 hour window of your appointment.

Between appointments

During your treatment, laser energy targets the hair follicle, but only the hair follicles that are in their growing phase. To ensure that every hair follicle is treated during the growing phase, you’ll likely need six to eight treatments, spaced about six to eight weeks apart. 

Throughout the duration of your treatment, you can continue to take care of your skin and prepare for the subsequent sessions. This includes refraining from anything that removes the hair follicle (waxing, plucking, epilators, etc). You should also continue to avoid self-tanning, tanning beds, and excessive UV exposure. 

Are you ready for a smooth chest and back? Call our Herald Square office in Midtown West, New York, NY, at 646-386-7562. You can also use the online booking tool to schedule your first appointment.