Who is/isn’t a candidate for laser hair removal?
Patients with extremely light-colored hair are not candidates for treatment. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are not candidates for Laser Hair Removal.
Is there any preparation for the treatment?
Do not wax, pluck, bleach, or have electrolysis for 1 month prior to treatment. Patients may not be on Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment. Patients should cease using products containing retinol, glycolic acid, bleaching cream, and exfoliants 4 days prior to treatment. Do not wear deodorant or makeup on the area to be treated. If you have a history of cold sores and are receiving treatment around the mouth, we recommend that you take Valtrex 3 days before your treatment (please notify us if you need a prescription for this condition). Patients should shave the area 1 day prior to treatment. The hair will be trimmed just before the procedure so that is only a few millimeters in length above the surface of the skin. Both the patient and the practitioner will also need to wear eye protection before the laser is used. The surrounding skin will also be coated with a protective gel to minimize exposure and also to help the laser penetrate the skin better. Pulses of laser light will then be administered onto the treatment areas to facilitate hair removal. Succeeding treatments will be scheduled in intervals until the hair stops growing in the indicated areas.
How long does the actual treatment take?
The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the areas being treated. Some areas like the upper lip take as little as 15 minutes, while larger areas like the back and legs can take 1-2 hours.
What can I expect immediately after treatment?
It is common for the treated areas to appear as if they were sunburned for at least a day or two) after the procedure. The patient may be advised to apply a cold compress, aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream 1%, or anti-inflammatory preparations to relieve any discomfort.
How many treatments are recommended?
On average, most patients will need 4-6 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
What should I avoid after the treatment?
Avoid soaking for 24-48 hours. No hot tubs, whirpools, or saunas, or baths. Avoid vigorous workouts. Avoid using products containing retinol, glycolic acid, bleaching cream, and exfoliants 7 days after treatment. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning between treatments. Do not wax or pluck any hairs between treatment sessions (shaving is okay). Do not manipulate the skin on the treated areas. If crusting or scabbing develops, allow it to fall off on its own so as not to damage the skin underneath.
Should I be concerned with sun protection immediately after the treatment?
Patients will be advised to wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to prevent color changes on the treated areas. Do not apply makeup to the treated area until all the redness has subsided.