Janet Champion
RN, BN, CCE, CPE, CME, CLHRP
Andrea Myronyk, CCE, LT
Marisa Carelli-Fabrig, CPE, LT
Barb Hyciek, EMT-P, LT
Christine Rogers, EMT-P, LT
Charlene Balogh, CCE, CPE
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Home > About Hair Removal > Treatment Guidelines
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Guidelines to Avoid Side Effects
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- The area to be treated should be protected (sunblock SPF45) from
tanning or sun exposure 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
- You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 4-6 weeks prior
to treatment. Shaving or use of depilatory cream (Neet, Nair, etc.)
is allowed.
- If you have had a history of perioral herpes (cold sores), prophylactic
antiviral therapy shouldbe started the day before treatment and continued
one week after treatment when certain facial areas are treated.
- Do not take any photosensitive drugs or herbals for 24 hours before
treatment (ie. Advil, Ibuprofen, ASA, St John's Wort).
- Do not book laser hair removal for 10 days after having an MRI, CATSCAN
or schlerotherapy.
- Do not shave for 3-8 days before the first treatment. For further
treatments do not shave for 1 to 2 weeks before treatment so we can
see visible stubble on the day of treatment.
- Use sunscreen (SPF45) at all times throughout the course of treatment. These
measures should reduce the incidence of possible side effects. Avoid
sun exposure (especially the week before treatment), to reduce the
chance of hyperpigmentation.
Do no use self-tanners for one month prior to treatment.
Intra-Operative Care
- The use of topical anesthetic (Ernia cream, Maxilene) is optional.
- Eye safety is critical. During the laser procedure protective eyewear
must be worn by the patient and all people in the treatment room.
Post-Treatment Guidelines
NOTE: The response to treatment and healing process after laser treatments
varies with several factors, including skin color and treatment location.
- Immediately after treatment, there may be perifolicular arythema
(redness) and/or edema (swelling), which may last for 2 hours or longer.
The treated area may feel like a sunburn for a few days after treatment.
Purpura,
a reddish-brown 'bruise-like' marking is rare but can occur.
- Clear aloe vera gel is recommended after treatment for 2-4 days.
Patients with darker skin may have more discomfort and may require
the aloe vera gel longer.
- If the area feels warm to touch within the first 24 hours after
treatment, apply ice to reduce any swelling or tenderness and promote
healing. Tylenol (not Aspirin) can be taken for pain or discomfort
if required.
- Avoid using harsh or irritating topicals in treatment area (glycolic
acid, Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acids, astringents, acne creams, antiwrinkle
creams, etc.), for at least 2 days.
- Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin.
- Avoid internal and external heat sources for 2 days, as they may stimulate
melanocytes, leading to hyperpigmentation. ie. Hot tubs, sauna, extreme
exercise, hot ovens, etc.
- Call this office (403 248-4801) with any questions or concerns you
may
have after treatment.
- About 1-3 weeks after treatment, shedding of the hair cast may occur
and this appears as hair growth. This is actually the hair being expelled
from the hair follicle. You can remove with easy friction (washcloth).
Note: Treated hair can be slow to expel. It will take longer to exfoliate
hair in certain areas and shaving immediately post-treatment may lead
to ingrown hairs.
More detail on pre- and post-treatment can be found in the article section.
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Good news for people with very light or dark
skin! We can work with any skin type.
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