Hair Removal

• The duration of each session varies from person to person, but on average they last about 20 minutes.
• Because hair grows in stages, multiple treatments are required. The number and timing of these treatments will be determined by your provider.
• Laser hair removal treatments are commonly described as similar to having an elastic band snapped against the skin during treatment. A topical anesthetic can be used before treatment if desired.
• After the treatment, a cool compress or gel pack may be applied. If you do have any redness or swelling after treatment, this should resolve in a couple of hours.
• Permanent side effects are rare but should be discussed with your provider.
• You will be able to resume normal activities after each session, but you may be given specific advice, such as avoiding sun or abrasive skin cleansers on treated skin for a few days.
• You should always follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

There are a number of effects of a laser treatment.  These are common and include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering/Crusting
• Darkening
• General warm sensation

These can last from several hours to up to 14 days.  This depends on each person’s skin and how it will react.  Most side effects are expected to last no more than 7 days.  Ice packs, cold compresses and antibiotic creams (for the blisters) can help with healing.  DO NOT peel off any of the crusting but rather allow it to heal on its own.

If any of the conditions worsen or do not heal over time, you will need to consult your doctor.

Freckles, capillaries, spider veins, and other skin pigmentation that was the target of the treatment may become darker for 2 weeks following the treatment.  This will eventually give way to a lightening of the area.

Areas of the body that were targeted for hair removal will continue to grow hair.  Some of this hair will follow out on its own.  The remainder will grow less dense after each laser treatment.  In order to completely work through the area, multiple treatments will be required.  This is because each hair follicle grows in different stages.  Approximately 20% reduction of hair growth noted 4 – 8 weeks following each procedure.

Tips for a better recovery:

1. Avoid hot water on the treated area
2. If part of the treatment included any part of your face, wash your face with soap-free skin cleansing gel, micellar water, or just water.  Continue to do this for the first 2 to 3 days post treatment.  Do not dry your face by rubbing with a towel as this can cause irritation.
3. Treat the target area with Aloe Vera to help with any discomfort.  You can also apply gentle skin creams that provide some SPF protection such as CeraVe or Alantan.
4. Keep the treated area covered with sunscreen (one that protects against UV rays and is SPF 50).
5. If the target areas include the underarms, avoid using deodorant/antiperspirant for 2 weeks as this may irritate the skin.
6. Avoid sun (as well as ultraviolet light and tanning beds) as much as possible as this may cause spots that will need several months to fade.  If this is not possible, ensure sunscreen is on for 4 weeks following the treatment and do your best to cover the area with light material.
7. Avoid skin care products that may irritate the skin, such as scrubs, exfoliants, and alpha/beta hydroxy acid for at least 2 weeks.
8. Avoid exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
9. Avoid excessive heat from saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers/baths.
10. Avoid irritating the area with clothing.  Ideally, wear light colored cotton.
11. Do not use hairspray
12. If you think you may have an infection, call your doctor right away.

• Avoid sun exposure 4 weeks before and after treatment until your healthcare provider allows it.  Epidermal melanocytes compete with melanin in the hair.
• Stop any topical medications or skin care products 3-5 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid bleaching, plucking, waxing hair or electrolysis for 6 weeks prior to treatment. The melanin-containing hair must be present in the follicle as it is the “target” for the laser light.
• If you have had a history of perioral or genital herpes simplex virus, your provider may recommend a prophylactic antiviral therapy. Follow the directions for your particular antiviral medication.
• If you have a tan or have a darker Fitzpatrick Skin Type, a bleaching regimen may be started at least 2 weeks before treatment.
• RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED! If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tanning, you may develop hypopigmentation (white spots) after treatment and this may not clear for 2-3 months or more.
• The use of self-tanning skin products must be discontinued one week before treatment. Any residual selftanner should be removed prior to treatment.
• The area intended for the treatment needs to be shaved no earlier than 24 hours prior to the treatment.
• Ensure the skin is thoroughly cleaned before your treatment.

• The skin must be cleaned and shaved prior to treatment. 
• When treating the upper lip, the teeth may be protected with moist white gauze. The gauze also serves to support the lip during treatment, allowing a surface to push against.
• The DCD cryogen cooling device will be used with the laser to cool the skin during treatment.
• Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Protective eye wear will be worn by the patient and all personnel in the treatment room during the procedure to reduce the chance of damage to the eye. In addition, your Provider will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety

• Immediately after treatment, there may be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of each hair follicle in the treatment site, which may last up to 2 hours, or longer. The erythema may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area will feel like a sunburn for a few hours after treatment.
• Your provider may use an optional cooling method after treatment to ensure your comfort.
• A topical soothing skin care product such as aloe vera gel may be applied following treatment if desired.
• Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment as long as the skin is not irritated.
• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation).
• Use a sunblock (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course of treatment.
• Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or similar treatments (waxing, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle in the treatment area for 6 weeks after the laser treatment is performed. Shaving only should be done between treatments.
• Several days to weeks after the treatment, shedding of the treated hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is NOT new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or Loofah sponge.
• After the axilla (underarm) is treated, you may wish to use a powder instead of a deodorant for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation.
• There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours.

• Perifollicular edema/erythema, urticaria
• After Laser Hair Removal the treated hair may not shed for several weeks. Rest assured that the hair will eventually exfoliate.
• Approximately 20% reduction of hair growth noted 4 – 8 weeks following each procedure.