Laser Hair Removal Instructions

Pre Treatment Instructions

In order to avoid skin discoloration, avoid deep tanning (tanning beds, tanning creams), four to six weeks prior to the treatment. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen SPF 30 or greater.
You MUST shave the area you want to treat 1-2 days prior to the treatment and we must be able to see the stubble to be able to do an effective treatment.
Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, or otherwise use any hair removal product on the area that will be treated. In addition, avoid retinoids and using alpha-hydroxy acids that are higher than ten percent.
Laser hair removal is not recommended for you if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, or allergic to heat or cold. Consulting with a doctor is important before finalizing any major decisions.
Additionally, always tell your physician about any medical conditions that you may have so as to customize an ideal treatment plan for you.
Do not schedule important social activities, meetings, etc., immediately after the procedure. The majority of patients do not have any adverse effects from laser hair removal treatments.
Do your daily workout before your appointment for Laser Hair Removal.
If you have a history of perioral herpes (cold sores) and you are having your face treated, prophylactic antiviral therapy must be started before treatment commences and continued one week after treatment.

Slight, temporary stinging, throbbing, burning sensation, redness, swelling, bruising, and excess fullness in the treated area may last for a few minutes to days.
If you are not experiencing any reaction after treatment that’s normal too.
Patients notice a range of reactions from slower hair growth to complete shedding of hair in the treated area between 10 to 20 days after the treatment which will continue for weeks following the laser treatment.
Within three to eight weeks, a new cycle of different hair may sprout on the treated area. Stripes or patches of hair might grow on the area. This is quite normal and does not mean that your technician missed the area or did not treat the area properly.
The risk of any side effect depends on the area(s) treated.

Minor swelling and irritation that occur in the treated areas after the procedure are normal.
You may apply cool compresses on the treated area to reduce swelling, tenderness, and bruising for a short period.
You may shower after treatment. However, be sure to use lukewarm water and mild soap. Pat dry the skin and keep the treated area moisturized after showering.
Do not use drying astringents, exfoliants, irritants, scrubs, or shavers on the treated area during the healing process as this may cause irritation or even worse, damage your sensitive skin.
If you have to expose the treated area to the sun, especially within the first 2 weeks, make sure you use sun block (30 SPF or higher).
Do not pluck or wax, or use Accutane, topical vitamin A or Retin-A during the recovery process. Doing any of these may interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment.
Side effects such as blistering, scarring, or extended healing time may occur, especially if you fail to follow the given instructions.
You can use moisturizers, deodorants or even make up after treatment.
For approximately 24 hours after treatment (or until bruising is reduced):
Avoid extensive sun or heat exposure
Avoid strenuous exercises and sauna or getting facials or massage
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol has a tendency to worsen swelling and bruising.
Make sure that you drink plenty of water.

The benefits of laser hair removal greatly vary depending on the area(s) treated. They can last from 4 weeks to semi-permanent after multiple treatments.
Every patient has a different body and factors such as age, sleep, medication, diet, stress, weight, and hormones can affect the growth of hair. In most cases, additional treatments may be recommended for complete clearing.
The results will be temporary at first and you will find that the first few treatments’ results initially last approximately 1 to four months. Maintaining a long-term plan with regular appointments will increase the longevity of the results of subsequent treatment sessions.

Return for your next treatment every 4 weeks to maintain results or as recommended by your physician.