Pre and Post Laser Hair Removal

Pre Treatment Instructions:

Avoid tanning for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Pigmented (tanned) areas may become hypopigmented. The use of hats/clothing and sun block with a minimum of SPF 30 are necessary to prevent sun exposure before and after treatment.

Do not wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams or electrolysis 6 weeks before treatment. The only allowed method to remove unwanted hair is shaving or trimming the area(s) to be treated. Make sure area is clean shaven the day before your treatment. We do not need to see the hair itself, as we treat the entire area and want all of the laser energy to be focused on the hair follicle under the surface of your skin, not above it.

Do not apply any creams, lotions, or deodorant on the area(s) to be treated the day of treatment. Make-up must be removed prior to facial treatments. You may bring the above items to apply post treatment if you desire.

Inform the technician if you get outbreaks of cold sores (herpes or genital herpes) on or near the area(s) to be treated.

Be sure to inform your technician of any changes in your medications or medical history prior to each treatment, especially light-sensitive prescription medications.

Contra indications to laser (you should not have laser treatment if):

    • You are pregnant
    • You have taken isotretinoin (Accutane within past 6 months)

Post Treatment Instructions

After treatment, the lasered area may be tender, slightly red and swollen. This reaction usually dissipates within a few hours. You may apply ice to the area for comfort. It is common to notice bumps at the treatment site, this is known as perifollicular edema and is very common and expected post treatment. Again, this may last up to several hours or days.

Avoid the use of Retin A, glycolic acid moisturizers, or AHA cleansers for 3 days post treatment. You must wear a sun block of SPF 30 on any treated areas that will be exposed. Sun exposure will increase the chance of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation which may be permanent.

Washing is permitted with a mild cleanser and tepid water. Never use hot water on freshly treated areas. Do not rub or pick at the area.

Anywhere from 5-30 days post treatment, shedding of the hair may occur and this may appear as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth, but dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair exfoliate by washing or gently wiping with a washcloth.

Blister, oozing, crusting, and scabbing sometimes occur in sensitive areas such as bikini line and neck areas within 1-3 days. DO NOT PICK OR REMOVE blisters or scabs. Call our office if you notice blistering, oozing, crusting or scabbing.