Laser Hair Removal Treatments
   The Consultation Checklist

If you have decided to try laser hair removal treatments, then you need to ask the right questions at your consultation with the hair removal specialist. The questions you will be asking are key in the selection of the right hair removal clinic for you. Even more important are the answers provided by the person performing the laser hair removal treatments. Asking the right questions can make the difference between a satisfying permanent hair removal experience and one that proves uncomfortable and disappointing.

Read the following carefully and don't be afraid to take the checklist with you to your consultation:

What can you expect at your consultation?

A doctor, or dermatologist, with proven experience and training in laser hair removal treatments is usually the best suited to determine your likely success with laser hair removal. The doctor can also recommend what type of hair removal laser will work best for your specific situation.

During the initial consultation, the doctor should ask for your medical history. An assessment of your skin type and medical background will provide you assurances of your receptiveness to the laser treatments and possible side effects, if any. You should also expect an explanation of the risks and benefits of the laser hair removal treatments.

To reduce the risk of complications during the laser procedure, the doctor will assess the medications you may be taking and ask you to refrain from using them just prior to the treatments. Some of the medications that should be avoided are aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and dietary supplements, such as, niacin and vitamin E. If you are sporting a tan, either from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, you may be asked to wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal.

Assessing a laser hair removal clinic

Before making the final decision on a clinic, you should attempt to research the qualifications of the Medical Director, or primary doctors, of the facility. Check to see if they are Board Certified in Dermatology. Are all of the clinical personnel who perform the laser procedure licensed doctors or registered nurses? Is the atmosphere of the clinic professional?

Remember - laser hair removal treatments are medical procedures. Your selection of a hair removal clinic should be taken as seriously as any other medical treatment. Would you go to a Podiatrist to have your skin problem treated - I don't think so!

Questions - Doctor's Qualifications

• Is he or she experienced in the use of the laser system that has been selected to treat your unwanted hair?
  
• How many patients has the doctor treated with that particular laser equipment, and over what period of time?
  
• Can the doctor provide "before and after" photographs of his or her own results? Note: Make sure that the photos show the results at least six months after the last laser hair removal treatment.
• What side effects have they encountered and how severe were they?
• Will the doctor be the one performing the procedure, or will it be a technician?
• Who will be available for follow-up questions or problems?

Questions - Consultation and Treatments

• Who will you be talking with during the initial consultation?
• What brand and model laser hair removal equipment does the clinic use?
• Who will be supervising the treatments?
• What safety precautions are taken during the treatment?
• How often will you have to come in for treatments?
• How long will each treatment take?
• How many hair removal treatments will be required?
• If needed, what kind of pain management is available during treatment?
• What are the office policies, i.e. missed appointments?

Questions - Post Treatment

• How long will it take for the hair in the treated area to fall out?
• Are there any special skin care procedures after treatment?
• Are there any post-treatment side effects?
• How long before the next treatment, if necessary?
• How long will it be before you are clear of any new growth or re-growth?

Questions - Costs

• Is the cost of the consultation and test patch free?
• Are any of the hair removal costs covered by medical insurance?
   
• What is the clinic's cost structure (fixed fee, cost per visit, cost per treatment hour, etc.) for the laser hair removal treatments?
• Are subsequent treatments less costly than the initial treatment?
• Does the clinic have a payment plan?

Tip:  You are now ready to start your research online to find laser hair removal clinics that are "right" for you. We suggest that you check out a sampling of clinics online to familiarize yourself with their typical pricing practices, the laser equipment utilized for treatments, the credentials of the laser specialists, etc. Doing your homework about laser hair removal treatments online can not only save you time, but can save you money and ensure a positive permanent hair removal experience. Remember - Knowledge is Power. Don't be afraid to use it!