Choosing a reputable laser hair removal clinic can be a difficult job. With hundreds of advertisements all offering pretty much the same thing, how do you know which clinic will offer you a treatment that will leave you pleased with the results and which will leave you wishing you had stuck to shaving and hair removal creams! Here are some vital questions that you should ask any laser hair removal clinic before you even consider making that first appointment.
1. What are your certifications/qualifications?
This is by far the most important question to ask. You need to ensure that the clinic you choose is qualified to use a laser. If you visit the clinic, the certifications will usually be displayed on the walls. In the USA, most laser hair removal physicians are board certified but other countries will have their own equivalents.
2. Who will perform the laser hair removal treatment?
You’ll want to make sure that the certified physician is who will be carrying out your treatment. It sounds obvious but you don’t want to find out the clinic has one certified physician and you get there and an uncertified technician will be doing your treatment. Ask about your physician/technician’s training and level of experience.
3. What type of laser do you use and is it suited to people with my skin type/hair colour?
There are many different types of laser and not all suit all skin tones or hair colours. Light skin and dark hair is the easiest combination to deal with when it comes to laser hair removal but this doesn’t mean other combinations cannot be considered. Make sure that the type of laser that the clinic uses is suitable for you.
4. How many previous patients have you had with my skin tone/hair colour?
If a clinic has a lot of experience treating people with similar circumstances to you, you are more likely to feel at ease going for treatment there.
5. How much does each session cost and how many treatments will I need?
This is to help you plan your budget and understand how soon you can see results. Ask this at every clinic you consider and compare the answers. Do not be tempted to go with one clinic with less experience just because they cost less and promise you will need fewer treatments but rather to get an understanding of roughly how many treatments will suit someone with your skin type and hair colour.
6. How much is a full consultation and patch test?
Every clinic should offer you a full consultation and patch test – some clinics will charge and some will not. Before laser hair removal treatment can be started, certain precautions should be taken and some medications will interfere with treatment and increase the risk of side effects so these need to be discussed at length during a full consultation.
7. What are the possible risks and complications and how do you address them?
Of course, if you’ve done your research, you should know the possible risks but ask this to see how well the clinic answers the questions. Their answers should be honest and medically based.
Before laser hair removal treatment, certain precautions need to be taken. You should not tan for several weeks before a treatment and certain medications would need to be stopped before you can have treatment. Discuss these in detail with the clinic
Choosing a laser hair removal clinic should not be rushed. Go with recommendations from friends and family, visit the clinic to ask questions and see if you like what you see and hear.
If you’d like laser hair removal treatment but in the privacy of your own home, at home laser hair removal might be an option for you. Home laser hair removal can still carry the same side effects so be sure to do your research before you buy an at home laser hair removal machine.