Laser Treatment Care

Pre-laser Care

Preparing for laser hair removal is a straightforward process. Below are a few important steps to take to ensure safety and success throughout your treatments.

• Treatment area must be shaved within 24 hours of your appointment.
• Stop use of any type of depilatory treatments (e.g., waxing, tweezing, depilatory creams such as Nair) and bleaching 4 weeks prior to treatment and for the duration of your sessions.
• Stop use of Accutane 1 year prior to starting laser hair removal treatments.
• Stop use of all chemical peels 2-4 weeks before and after treatments.
• Stop applying Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin, and Atralin 2 weeks before and after treatments.
• Stop sun tanning and/or using a tanning bed 2-4 weeks before and after treatments.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher to protect skin.

Post-laser Care

LHR can be a simple process with little to no recovery time for those who take the time to practice proper skincare. Proper skincare during and after treatments is vital for achieving optimal results, maintaining healthy, beautiful skin, and reducing the chances of complications or discomfort following treatments.

• Expect mild redness and swelling around the treated area immediately after your LHR treatment. The area may feel similar to a mild sunburn. This sensation should disappear within a few hours, however, it may take a day or two for skin to return to a completely normal state. Apply a cold compress (a bag of ice or a soft cloth soaked in ice water) in intervals of 15-20 minute intervals for the first few hours after treatment to reduce any discomfort or swelling. We recommend applying aloe vera to aid in the recovery process.
• Makeup may be applied after treatment unless you are experiencing blistering or are instructed otherwise by your laser technician.You may shower after treatments and use mild soaps, deodorant, etc.
• Exfoliate the treated area a few days after your treatment two times a week. This encourages surface hair to shed and helps prevent ingrown hairs. If you are unsure of what type of exfoliation device to use, ask your laser technician. Do not pick or scratch the treated skin.
• Avoid sun exposure after treatment to prevent irritation and burning of the skin. Skin darkened by sun exposure is more likely to burn during LHR treatments, thus impacting the effectiveness of future treatments. If you know your skin will be exposed to sunlight, be sure to apply a thick layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher 20 minutes before going outside.
• Avoid shaving for the first few days after treatment. Shaving may be resumed after four days or when you feel your skin is no longer sensitive. Do not use any other hair removal methods or products (e.g., waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis) during the course of your treatments. Hair bleaching agents diminish the efficacy of LHR treatments and are not advisable at any point during treatments.
• After a few days you may notice hair beginning to shed; this is often mistaken as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth, but dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. Don’t worry if you don’t see hair fall out after your first treatment. As you continue treatments, shedding and changes in your hair growth will become more noticeable.
• Call the spa with any questions or concerns or if you are experiencing any type of blistering or crusting in the treated area.

*Pre and post laser care instructions apply only to the area(s) to be treated with laser hair removal.