Laser Hair Removal Pre/Post Care
Pre-Treatment
• The treatment area needs to be shaved to skin level, although a day’s hair growth may be helpful so that the area that requires treatment is easily recognizable.
• You must avoid waxing, plucking, threading or electrolysis of the hair for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. Hair needs to be at skin level in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair follicle.
• Avoid sun exposure for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Be sure that the treatment area is “squeaky clean” and has no makeup, oils, deodorant, creams, topical medications etc.
• Be certain that you are not on medications that cause photosensitivity or on acne medications such as Accutane, Retin-A, Gold Therapy etc, at present or within the past 6 months. These medications, and several others, may make your skin susceptible to damage from the laser. If in doubt, ( please click here to see a list of medications)
Post-Treatment
• Avoid bathing or washing with hot water – use cool or room temperature water. Wash gently and do not be abrasive with the treated area. Keep the area clean.
• For 24 hours avoid activities that may cause the treated areas to become warm, for example, exercising.
• Avoid any irritating soaps, scrubs, medications or chemicals. Examples of these are Retin-A, Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least Three-to-Four weeks after treatment. Protect the area with a sunblock 50 SPF or else the skin may develop hyper-pigmentation /hypo-pigmentation marks. Make sure to re-apply sunblock throughout the day.
• The treated area may become red, inflamed, and, in rare instances, last several hours to several days. Swelling (edema) and itching may also occur. Regular application of ice, cooling gels, Aquaphor, Hydrocortisone or Antibiotic Ointment is important for relief.
• Anywhere from two-to-three weeks after the treatment, shedding of the treated hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is NOT new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or Loofa sponge.
