Pretreatment Instructions for Laser Hair Removal

Preparing for your laser hair removal appointment involves several steps to ensure the best results and minimize potential risks.

Here are some important preparation guidelines:

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You will first schedule a FREE consultation with our Nurse Practitioner, Deborah. During the consultation, we will discuss your goals, medical history, skin type, and any concerns you may have.
If we both feel like laser hair removal is for you and you have prepared your skin as mentioned below, we may go ahead and treat you that day.
If you haven't prepared your skin and hair, we will make you a follow up appointment for your treatment.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Four weeks before your appointment

Avoid Sun Exposure:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four weeks prior to your treatment. Sunburned or tanned skin is more susceptible to complications and may require adjusting the laser settings, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Avoid Waxing or Plucking:
- Refrain from waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams on the treatment area for at least four weeks prior to the session. The laser targets the color in the hair follicles, and they need to be present for the treatment to work effectively.

Two weeks before your appointment

Stay Out of Tanning Products:
- Do not use self-tanning products or spray tans on the treatment area before your appointment, as these can increase the risk of skin irritation and complications.
Avoid Certain Medications and Products:
- Inform our team about any medications you are taking, as some medications can increase photosensitivity. You may be advised to discontinue specific medications or topical products containing retinoids prior to the treatment (at least 1 wk retinol).
If you suffer from coldsores:
- Please begin taking topical medication to prevent a flare.

Days before your appointment

Hydrate and Moisturize:
- Keep the treatment area well-hydrated and moisturized with bland skincare (no BHAs, AHAs, or retinol). This helps to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Shave the Treatment Area 1-2 days before:
- A couple of days before your laser hair removal session, shave the treatment area. This ensures that the laser energy is primarily focused on the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface, rather than being absorbed by the hair above the skin.

The day of your appointment

Avoid Perfumes, Lotions and Deodorant (if underarms):
- On the day of your treatment, avoid using perfumes, lotions, or any other skincare products on the treatment area. Clean, product-free skin is ideal for the procedure.
Wear Comfortable Clothing:
- Dress comfortably with easy access to the area being treated. Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction and irritation on the treated areas after the session.
Follow Instructions:
- Listen carefully and follow the pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions, and ask any questions you may have.

By following these preparation guidelines and working closely with our staff, you can maximize the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment while minimizing the risk of complications.