Laser Hair Removal Pre/Post Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior to your treatment. 
• Apply a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and reapply as needed.   
• Passive sun exposure is acceptable, but tanning either outside or in a tanning bed, is not. You cannot be treated if you have a sunburn, recently tanned, or have sunless tanner on your skin.  Avoid sunless tanners for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.  
• Avoid bleaching, plucking, waxing, or chemical hair removers (e.g. Nair) during the 6 weeks prior to treatment. These hair removal measures will result in ineffective treatment. 
• Avoid the following active ingredients in treatment areas 7 days prior to treatment: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid. If you are concerned about any of the products you are using, please ask your provider. 
• Treatment area(s) should be shaved within 1-2 days of treatment. 
• Avoid unnecessary blood-thinning medications (e.g. NSAIDs like ibuprofen), but please take all medications that are prescribed by your primary physician as you normally would. 
• Please arrive for your appointment with clean skin without lotion, makeup, body oil, etc. 
• Come with loose-fitting clothes over all treatment areas. 
• If you have a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in any treatment areas, notify your provider, as pre-treatment with an anti-viral medication will be required. Your provider will give specific instructions. 
• Notify your provider of all medications you are taking as some medications can be photosensitizing. 
• Please contact your provider if you have a history of human papilloma virus (HPV)/genital warts in the treatment area.  

Post-Treatment Instructions

FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS

• A sunburn-like sensation in treatment areas is common. Cool compresses and aloe gel may be used until this sensation resolves.  
• Avoid shaving and wearing tight clothing over any treated areas. Do not apply makeup, petroleum-based products, or deodorant on any treated areas.

FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS

• Avoid direct sunlight. 
• Keep the skin cool and avoid higher body temperatures that might result from hot tubs, saunas, or intense exercise. Let your provider know if you experience irritation or blistering as you resume normal activities. 
• In rare cases, crusting, blistering, prolonged redness (lasting beyond treatment day), or discoloration can occur. If you observe any of these rare side effects, please reach out to your provider immediately. 

FOR THE NEXT WEEK

• Avoid the following active ingredients in treated areas: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid. 
• Scaling/hair shedding occurs during this time. Let the hair fall out naturally. 
• Do not rub, exfoliate, or pick any treated areas. 
• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and evening. See product recommendations below. Moisturize more frequently, if needed. 
• Prior to going outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater on all treated areas and reapply as needed. Please continue safe sun practices throughout the duration of your treatments.