What Is LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Two weeks prior to treatment, discontinue using all alpha hydroxyl acid products (those containing glycolic or lactic acid), salicylic acid products, retinoids (Retin A, Renova, Differin, and Tazorac) and other topical acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide. If in doubt about using any product, please discontinue it and discuss with us at your appointment. No antibiotics and/or any photosensitive medications may be used during the time of treatment.

2. Shave the treatment area 1 or 2 days before laser hair removal.

3. Laser treatments are not recommended for tanned patients until the tan has faded. Sun exposure must be avoided between treatments for a minimum of three weeks before treatments. This includes sun exposure and tanning booths. Artificial tanning products must be discontinued two weeks prior to treatments. Always use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher throughout the course of your laser treatments.

4. Do not pluck, wax, or tweeze hairs lasered throughout the course of your laser treatments.

5. Patients with a history of herpes should be take an oral antiviral medication (Zovirax or Famvir) the day before treatment. Laser heat can trigger and/or reactivate the virus in the same way as sun, stress, and fever. Consult with your physician if you need a prescription.

6. At the time of treatment, laser protective glasses MUST be worn.

7. If consuming any hormone stimulating or anti-depression medication, client MUST notify Technician prior to treatment.

 POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. No DIRECT Sun Exposure or Tanning three weeks after laser treatment. Always use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with ZINC oxide.

2. Extra hygiene care at home may be required.

3. DO NOT pluck, wax, or tweeze hairs being treated with laser.

4. Redness and swelling of the follicles/tissue may appear and can remain for 15 minutes up to few hours.

5. To reduce swelling, application of Hydrocortisone 1% or an antibiotic cream.

6. If scabbing, pustules, or follicle inflammation appear, apply Hydrocortisone 1% or an antibiotic cream such as Neosporin or Polypore for 2-3 days after the treatment and contact our office immediately.

7. DO NOT PICK SCABS for proper healing of the skin.

8. When treating facial area: Make up MUST be removed and can be used day after the treatment.

9. DO NOT TOUCH, RUB, and SCRATCH OR PICK the treated area.

10. Complete hair clearance can take 10-20 days after laser procedure.

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Lasers use electric pulses and light to target hair follicles and destroy hair at the roots. Because the lasers target the darker pigment of the hair, the lighter skin surrounding the hair is not affected. By destroying the hair in the follicle, future hair growth becomes inhibited.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Needed?

In the natural hair growth cycle, some hairs are dormant while others are actively growing. Because of this staggered growth cycle, patients do need multiple sessions to target each hair in its “active” stage. The number of treatments required varies for different patients depending on the amount and type of hair and the area being treated. Most patients will need four to six treatments at four to six-week intervals.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Patients may experience some mild discomfort during the laser hair removal procedure. Most patients compare this feeling to a rubber band snap. This sensation generally fades soon after the procedure. After the treatment, a few patients report mild itching, redness, or swelling in the treated area, which should subside after a few days.

What Happens After Laser Hair Removal?

There is no downtime following laser hair removal. Patients are able to go about their day immediately after the treatment. Hair will start to fall out during or directly after the treatment, which should continue for roughly 21 days. Patients should avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks following the treatment and should refrain from waxing and/or tweezing while they are undergoing laser hair removal treatments.

Who Are The Best Candidates For Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal can be performed on patients with any skin color or hair type. However, because the laser targets melanin in the hair follicle, dark hair is treated most effectively. Red, blond, and gray hair are not as easy to treat.