Your laser care.

Pre-Laser Hair Removal Instructions:

• Avoid sun exposure: Protect the treated area from the sun for at least 4 weeks before and after treatment.
• Discontinue waxing, plucking, or threading: These methods remove hair follicles, which can interfere with laser treatment. 
• Shave the area: Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment. 
• Stop using retinoids or other exfoliating products: These products can make your skin more sensitive to laser treatment.
• Inform your provider about any medical conditions or medications: This is important for safety purposes. 
• Avoid hot showers or baths: Heat can dilate blood vessels and make the treatment less effective. 

Post-Laser Hair Removal Instructions:

• Apply a cold compress: To soothe the treated area and reduce redness.
• Avoid sun exposure: Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for at least 4 weeks after treatment. 
• Avoid hot showers or baths: For the same reasons as before treatment. 
• Do not use harsh soaps or scrubs: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. 
• Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading: These methods can interfere with future treatments.
• Continue with your regular skincare routine: But avoid using any products that might irritate the skin. 
• Follow up with your provider: Attend scheduled appointments for additional treatments. 

Before your treatment: 

• Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
• Some medications or supplements may increase the risk bruising. Consult with your physician.
• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.) 
• Notify clinic with any changes to  your health history or medications since your last appointment 
• History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

• Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
• Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
• Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours 
• Do not pick at treated areas
• Treated pigment will exfoliate off the face in approximately 1 week
• Treated pigment will exfoliate off the body in approximately 2-3 weeks 
• Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
• Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
• Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
• Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

Before your treatment: 

• Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
• Some medications or supplements may increase the risk bruising. Consult with your physician
• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.) 
• Notify clinic with any changes to  your health history or medications since your last appointment 
• History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

• Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
• Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
• A “bug bite look” is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days
• Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
• Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
• Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
• Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

Leg vein treatments only: 

• Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional
• Avoid high impact activity 3-5 days 
• Hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (can take 1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent
• Strict avoidance of sun exposure may decrease risk of permanent hemosiderin staining 
• Large leg veins may take many months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then