Laser Hair Removal Pre- & Post – Treatment Care

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

• The best way to minimize the risk of side effects is to avoid UV exposure for 7 days pre- and post- treatment.
• Avoid sunburns and tans for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid sunless tanning products for 7 days before treatment.
• Provide your nurse with an accurate and up to date medical history to receive safe and effective treatment.
• Side effects are uncommon abut may include - Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), Hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigmentation), mild to moderate burns or blisters, permanent skin discoloration, temporary redness, follicular edema (little pink/red “puffiness and small bumps like “goose bumps”), swelling and itching in the treated area, hives, rashes, bruising, and lack of desired results.
• Patients who are pregnant cannot be treated.
• If you have epilepsy, TBWB is unable to provide treatment.

PRE-TREATMENT CARE

• The area to be treated must be clean shaved. Unshaven patients will be rescheduled.
• Avoid UV exposure 7 days prior to treatment.
• Patients who are sunburned or tanned must wait 2 weeks before being treated to avoid additional skin damage.
• Avoid sunless tanning products 7 days prior to treatment. It is recommended that you exfoliate the area to remove any residual color.
• Patients should come to appointments clean in the area to be treated. All patients who are treated to any part of their face or neck will be required to cleanse their entire face in the clinic.
• Avoid chemical peels and other laser procedures in the area to be treated for 2 weeks prior and two weeks after your laser treatment.
• Patients with any abnormal lesions, moles, or spots on the area to be treated must be cleared by a medical practitioner prior to treatment.
• Refrain from bleaching, tweezing or waxing of the area to be treated for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to treatment. Alternative methods of hair management during this time are shaving with a razor or electric clipper, trimming with manicure scissors, etc.
• If you are prone to cold sores, it is highly recommended to take an anti-viral medication (such as Valtrex) prior to your treatment. Patients with active cold sores will not be treated.
• Patients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT have laser hair removal treatments.
• Patients should not perform any physical activity that increases body temperature or blood pressure within 2 hours before and after treatments.
• If you have Botox or dermal fillers in the area to be treated, wait 14 days both before and after injection to receive treatments.
• Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment.
• Boots may not be worn immediately after leg treatments.
• If treating the facial area, refrain from using Retin-A, AHAs and BHAs for 48 hours prior to treatment.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR TREATMENT

• Clients with red, grey, or blonde hair in the area to be treated should consult with their nurse prior to receiving treatments, as the laser is less effective on their hair colors.
• During your treatment you can expect slight discomfort, similar to a rubber-band snap on your skin.
• You may experience slight redness, bumps, and swelling in the treated area for up to 72 hours. If these conditions persist, topical cream such as aloe, calamine or hydrocortisone may be applied.
• Allow a minimum of 7 to 14 days post treatment for hair to “fall out” or shed the skin.
• On average, patients experience up to 30% reduction after each treatment.
• For best results, allow your provider to customize your treatment schedule based on your needs.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

• Avoid extended UV exposure for 7 days post-treatment.
• If blisters occur, do not puncture. If skin is broken, apply an antibiotic ointment until healed.
• Tylenol is recommended for post-treatment discomfort. Over the counter medications are recommended for post treatment discomfort. You may also apply cool towels, ice packs or aloe vera to alleviate discomfort due to heat.
• Avoid using seat warmers immediately after treatment.
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs, excessively hot baths and showers for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 24 hours after treatment AND for as long as any redness remains in the treated area. Remember: Red will turn brown if exposed to sun!!!
• If treating the facial area, refrain from using Retin-A, AHAs and BHAs for 48 hours after treatment to avoid irritation.
• Makeup may be used. 
• The only other acceptable hair removal method during your treatment regimen is shaving or trimming, if needed. 
• Hair will shed up to three weeks after treatment.  It may seem like new hair growth, but it is just the hair coming out.  You can help the hairs out by gently using a loofah or washcloth.
• Avoid any additional laser treatments or chemical procedures on the treated area for at least 2 weeks post-treatment or until healing has occurred.
• Using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher is critical when receiving laser treatments and is recommended ongoing for maintenance.
• If you experience any side effects, such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation, prolonged redness or swelling, a histamine reaction or blistering, call or come in for instructions on treatments.
• To achieve the best results, complete the full treatment schedule at the intervals recommended by your provider.
• Exfoliate treated areas to minimize risk of ingrown hairs.
• After the treatment, you may have redness or bumps.  This is normal.  You may use a cold compress or aloe gel, if needed