Pre & Post Treatment Guidelines

Pre-Treatment Guidelines

  • Preparation: The area to be treated must be cleaned and SHAVED 24 hours or less, prior to treatment.

  • Sun Exposure: Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment. Pigmented cells in your skin compete with melanin in your hair.

  • Skincare Products: Certain topical medications or skin care products (like Retin-A, Vitamin C, and Glycolic topicals) may need to be stopped 3-5 days prior to treatment.

  • Hair Removal: You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. The melanin-containing hair must be present in the follicle for the laser to target it.

  • Medical History: If you have a history of herpes simplex virus, your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy.

  • Tanning Warning: RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED!. Tanning (natural or booth) within 2 weeks of treatment may cause white spots (hypopigmentation) that may last 2-3 months.

  • Self-Tanners: Discontinue use of self-tanning products one week prior to treatment and remove any residual tanner.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

  • Immediate Sensation: You may experience redness (erythema) and swelling (edema) at the treatment site for 2 hours or longer. The area may feel like a sunburn for a few hours.
  • Soothing: You may apply a topical soothing product like aloe vera gel if desired.
  • Sun Protection: Use a sunblock (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course of treatment to reduce the chance of dark spots (hyperpigmentation).
  • Aftercare: Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin.
  • Hair Removal: Do not wax, tweeze, or use electrolysis for 4-6 weeks after treatment, as this disturbs the follicle. Shaving is allowed.
  • Shedding: Shedding of the treated hair may occur 5-14 days after treatment.
  • Hygiene: For underarms, you may prefer using powder instead of deodorant for 24 hours to reduce irritation. Treat the skin gently during bathing for the first 24 hours.
  • Follow-up: Contact the office at the first sign of hair regrowth. This usually occurs within 4-6 weeks for the upper body and 2-3 months for the lower body
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Contact & Support

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me

604-553-0717