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Pre And Post Treatment Instructions For Laser Hair Removal
Pre And Post Treatment Instructions For Laser Hair Removal
Before Hair Removal Treatment
- A Month Before: For the entire month before your scheduled laser hair removal treatment, you must refrain from removing the hair that you are going to have treatment. That means that you must not wax, tweeze, bleach, or use any electrolysis or removal creams in the area that you are going to have treated. This is because it can affect your treatment results. You should also avoid sun exposure or at least wear minimum SPF 30 sunscreen.
- 2 Weeks Before: Stop using any tanning method, including tanning beds, sprays, and self-tanning creams.
- 1 Day Before: Shave the area that will be treated.
Day of Hair Removal Treatment
Whether you have signs of aging or you have acne scars from breakouts past, fractional laser skin resurfacing can target and fix a number of skin issues.
In fact, laser skin resurfacing is often recommended as a treatment for many complexion concerns, ranging from hyperpigmentation and acne scarring to sagging skin and wrinkles.
2. Fractional laser skin resurfacing doesn’t cause skin damage.
- Wash off any lotion, make-up, or deodorant that might be in the treatment area.
- Make sure that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so the treatment area is exposed and easy to reach for treatment. Any clothing that might cause irritation to the site should be avoided. This includes fabrics like denim and wool.
Following Hair Removal Treatment
- The Day of: Apply ice packs or cold aloe vera to soothe the site. You should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds or creams as well. Do not scratch the area or pick at the skin. Do not shave the area or take a hot shower. Do not rub the area either. Any excess rubbing can irritate the skin, open it up, and, as a worst-case scenario, lead to scarring. Instead, treat the area as gently as possible. You might notice some redness and swelling on the first day and for a couple of days after the treatment. If you have an immediate reaction to the treatment, the doctor can provide you with some cream or other treatment to reduce that.
- 2 to 3 Days After: Avoid using hot showers for 2 to 3 days following the treatment. If any blisters or scabs form, make sure that you do not pick at them. You might also experience something called “hair shedding” that looks like hair growth, but it is not. The area will feel more like a sunburn. You should pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel following a warm shower. Treat it very delicately to promote the best healing possible. You will also need to avoid doing any strenuous sports, go swimming, use saunas and hot tubs until the skin has healed.
- Once it Heals: Only after the scabs or crusty feeling in the site has dissipated can you return to your regular skin regimes. This means once the area has fully healed, you can get back to using deodorants, makeup, and lotions as needed in the area that was treated.
- 6 Weeks After: After 6 weeks, you can return to your regular sun exposure. It is important to wear sunscreen at all times, regardless of whether the area has received laser treatment.
Other Things to Note
You should not experiencing blistering or much scabbing. If you do, make sure you call our office immediately. Watch out for any signs of infection as well, including swelling and redness.
The reaction depends on the type of skin and hair that you have. The laser itself should only damage the hair follicle, but not your skin. Some hair colors and types are more stubborn or difficult to treat than others, but modern laser technology has already addressed these issues.
The amount of treatments that you need depends on the area treated as well as your individual factors and considerations. In between treatments, you will need to stay out of the sun, including both natural sunlight and tanning beds.
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for your personal situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Yaletown Laser Centre for an in-person consultation.
Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
