Prior to Treatment
• Do not pluck, wax, bleach, thread or undergo electrolysis in the areas you wish to have treated for 4 weeks prior to laser hair removal.
• Closely shave the treatment area 1 day before your appointment time as possible.
• For better results, patients are to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanning creams. Do not tan the areas to be treated for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment, and throughout the course of your treatment. A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun block with an SPF of 30 or greater should be applied to the area(s) to be treated whenever exposed to the sun. However, if sun exposure is not avoidable, a reduced energy fluence may be used for your treatment, and in this case treatment sessions need to be increased. Very recent sun exposure may result in the cancellation of your treatment.
• If you are now or at any time during your treatment process using orally or topically photosensitive medications (antibiotics, St. John's Wort, Accutane, etc) please inform us immediately. You must be off these drugs for 10 days to 6 months depending on the drug before you can be treated safely.
. A void aspirin and aspirin containing products for 2 days prior to treament.
. Avoid Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolics, Salicylics on the treament area 3 days prior to treatment.
• Wear loose fitting, comfortable and washable clothing.
• Some redness, swelling and a mild sunburn sensation maybe noticed in the treatment area for up to 2 hours after treatment. Clients should not feel any significant discomfort after treatment.
• Apply a Vitamin E Gel or Aloe Vera Gel to the treated area twice a day for 5 to 7 days after treatment, or until the “sunburned” feeling has subsided. Use cool water, gentle cleanser and soft cloth to cleanse the treatment area 24-48 hours after your treament.
• Ointment can be applied to the area to prevent drying and crusting. If crusting develops it should be allowed to fall off naturally (no picking).
• You may apply cold compresses to the area to reduce any redness and swelling. Do not use chemical cold packs. Post treatment cooling is highly recommended for darker skins.
• Apply sunscreen for 6 weeks over the treated area, and throughout the course of your laser treatments. A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun block with a minimum SPF 30 must be applied 15 minutes prior to casual sun exposure, and prolonged sun exposure requires repeated applications every 2 hours, and also reapplied after swimming.
• Avoid perfumes, strong soaps, makeup and deodorants to the treatment area until the stinging and redness has subsided. Avoid hot baths and hot tubs and also working out for 24 hours after treatment. Avoid any facial irritants such as glycolic, retinoid creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion etc., for 7 days after treatment.
• Do not pluck or wax after your treatment. Hair should appear to grow for several days post treatment as the hair is being extruded. Hair should spontaneously fall out approximately day 4-14. Shaving of the area is allowed between laser treatments as necessary. Please allow 3 days post laser treatment to begin shaving.
• Blistering can occur during the first 3 days following treatment. The areas should be kept clean and treated with care. If an open area or blister develops, use a topical antibiotic ointment, like Polysporin or Fucidin HC, keeping it moist until area has healed. For facial areas that blistered, use extreme caution when applying or removing makeup. Rough removal of makeup can increase the incidence of post treatment complications.
• When bathing, if the treated area is irritated, do not rub with a face cloth or towel. The area should be patted dry.
• Pustules or pimples may develop in the first few days following treatment. The areas should be kept clean and treated with care. Avoid excessive sweating.
• Histamine/Hives: some patients develop raised papules similar to hives. This irritation usually subsides in a few hours.
• With bikini areas, panty elastic at the leg should be avoided for several days after treatment. The irritation of the elastic can lead to rash or blistering.