Laser Hair Removal Pre and Post Treatment Care
The best way to minimize the risk of side effects is to avoid sunlight and tanning beds to the area being treated 2 weeks prior to procedure and 24 hours post procedure. No antibiotic use 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you have done either of these you will be at risk for burns to the area treated.
Pre-Treatment Care
- You cannot have laser hair removal if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The area you would like to have treated must be clean shaven. Only shave what you wish to have treated.
- Avoid all alpha hydroxyl and beta hydroxyl products, hydroquinone’s, Retin A/Renova, aspirin, Tazorac, Differin, and Vitamin E products 3 days prior to your treatment if performing laser to the facial area.
- Do not wax, pluck, or tweeze 3 weeks prior to treatment
- Clients who have used Accutane in the last 6 months may not undergo any laser treatments.
- Do not perform physical activity that increases body temperature or blood pressure 2 hours prior to treatment.
- If you are prone to histamine (allergic) reactions, inform your provider prior to laser treatment.
- Medications, may increase photosensitivity. Please notify your provider of any medications you are taking.
- If you are prone to cold sores take an antiviral prior to treatment if treating the face.
What to expect during your treatment
- Hair removal only works on dark brown or black hair. It does not treat light brown, red, blonde, grey, or white hairs.
- During your treatment some people may experience a slight discomfort such as heat or a ‘pulling’ sensation.
- You may experience slight swelling, bumps, or swelling in the treated area. This should resolve within 24-48 hours.
- In approximately 2 weeks the hair will ‘fall’ out or grow much slower.
- On average patients experience a 20-30% less regrowth after every treatment.
- On occasion some people may not see a result until after the 3rd treatment.
- On average patients experience 70-90% reduction in hair growth after a series of 7 treatments.
- On rare occasions you may need more sessions to reach adequate removal. These people generally have hormonal disorders or strong genetic factors that make it difficult to remove the hair.
- Studies have shown it takes between 6 and 8 treatments to clear the hair to 70-90%
- One treatment will only “stun” the hair follicle, and after several weeks you will likely have full regrowth if another treatment is not initiated.
- Facial hair is treated every 4-6 weeks
- Trunk of the body is treated every 6-8 weeks
- Legs are treated every 8-10 weeks
Please call our clinical providers at 402-916-9780 if you have further questions or contact us here »