Laser Skin Treatment Instructions

In order to achieve the best possible results, we advise patients being treated for hair removal to:

• Long hair shafts tend to absorb the laser light, not allowing for penetration to the base of the follicle, where the treatment works most effectively. It is best for you to not be clean shaven before treatments. The technician will shave the areas as needed.

• Avoid tanning or tanning products before the appointment. Dark skin also absorbs light intended for the hair follicle. Dark skin or tans are not a contraindication to use of the laser, but sometimes one or two additional treatments are needed than otherwise would be necessary.

  Avoid waxing, sugaring, plucking, or electrolysis before the treatment. These treatments will temporarily remove the pigmented hair follicle, which is the target of the laser.

• Do not wear makeup in the area of treatment on the day of treatment.

• Medications intended to suppress hair growth should be stopped for 3 months before treatment, since they are intended to temporarily suppress hair growth. These suppressed hair follicles may then be missed and reappear after stopping the medication. These medications would include spironolactone, Vaniqua, Euflex, and Androcur.

• There are no special diet instructions.
  
  

What should I expect the day of the treatment?

After reviewing your goals for hair removal, we will require you to sign an informed consent. The consent explains that there is a very small risk of skin discoloration, temporary burns or discomfort.

We will then have everyone in the treatment room put on special goggles. If you would like a friend or family member to attend or watch the procedure, they too will be asked to have goggles put on. CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE PROCEDURE ROOM.

A cooling pad are applied to the intended treatment area moments before treatment.

The laser treatment itself causes a slight stinging. There is no bleeding or wound. Redness may be noticeable for the next few hours. Aloe or a moisturizing cream may alleviate any mild discomfort. There is no need for bandages.

Most hair follicles will fall out or shed within the first week. Some may persist for 2-3 weeks. Blistering or scaling is unusual, but can be treated with Neosporin. Please call us if the blistering progresses.

You can return to work immediately without any restrictions. Avoid tanning or tanning products for 1-2 weeks after treatment, since the tan may become more irregular immediately after treatment.

At 6 weeks from the treatment, you will have a good idea if any further treatments are necessary.

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