PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Following these instructions will optimize your laser treatment results and minimize the risk of complications.
• Use SPF 30 sunscreen daily. Sunburned skin cannot be treated!
• Avoid sun-tanning, prolonged sun exposure, and tanning salons for 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, tretinoin, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure
• Do not wear makeup, perfume, deodorant or lotions on the treatment area on the day of treatment
• Do not use self-tanning products for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you do have artificial tan on you can still be treated safely, however the laser settings will need to be adjusted.
• Do not wax, thread, or have electrolysis for 4 weeks prior to your treatment and/or between treatments
• Shave the area to be treated one day (at least 12hrs) prior to your appointment
• You must wait 2 weeks after injectables before having laser treatments in the same area
• You must wait 6 months after threads before having laser treatments in the same area
• Before each treatment, please inform us if you are taking new antibiotics or medications, as they may increase your skin’s sensitivity to light treatments, and therefore, we might not be able to treat you for up to 2 weeks after completion of the antibiotic
• It is critical that you are not using topical or oral steroids (creams or pills) or Accutane/Roaccutane (within the last six months) • Tattooed areas are unable to be treated with laser unless for tattoo removal
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are NOT a candidate for laser treatment. If you have a history of “cold sores” or peri-oral HSV, please let your practitioner know. Medication can be recommended to minimise the possibility of an outbreak following your treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Following your treatment, you may notice redness and bumps at the treatment site, which can last for several days. It is normal for the treated area to have a mild sting for a few hours post-treatment. Cold compress, aloe vera gel (keep it cold in the fridge) or 1% hydrocortisone may help if you have any discomfort.
• Use SPF 30 sun protection daily over the treated area for at least 4 weeks after treatment to minimize the risk of any discoloration
• Makeup can be used over the treatment area so long as there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing (mineral makeup is the best option)
• Avoid hot water to the skin until initial skin irritation subsides 24-72hrs
• Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, tretinoin, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks after the procedure)
• The treated area may be washed gently with shower gel or a mild cleaner. The skin should be patted dry and NOT rubbed
Expected changes to the skin over the next 1 – 7 days for hair removal include:
Day 1 to 2 – Moderate redness, follicular swelling, heat, and sensitivity
Day 2 to 7+ – Less hair growth will be noticed over the following days and weeks. Hair growth may be uneven and patchy due to the laser only being able to target hair in the anagen phase (growing phase) during the treatment (approximately 30% of hair at any one time).
Hair does not typically fall from the follicle as experienced with other laser hair removal modalities.