Precautions

Post-Treatment

After a laser hair removal treatment, there are steps to be taken in order to get the best results with minimal irritation to the skin.  Overall, the pre-treatment instructions weigh more heavily on the outcome of a procedure, but it is also important to keep in mind a few helpful hints.

Minimal redness or swelling can be expected after each treatment, and is perfectly normal.  Any swelling should reduce within a few hours, and redness may last for several days.  The area may be tender, similar to sunburn. It is important to avoid sun exposure until the skin has no more tenderness, redness, or swelling. The physician may recommend a post-laser lotion that should be used twice a day for 3 days after each treatment.

Makeup may be applied immediately after treatment unless blistering has occurred.  For underarms, using a powder instead of a deodorant for the first 24 hours may reduce skin irritation.

After treatment, you should avoid picking, scratching or using hair removal methods that disturb the hair in its follicle (tweezing, waxing, etc.).  It is also ideal to avoid shaving the hair unless absolutely necessary.  For the first three days, when washing the treated skin, always be gentle and pat dry.  On the fourth day, you may start gently scrubbing the area to exfoliate.

The treated hairs will shed and fall out for anywhere from 1-3 weeks post-treatment.  After the first week, you may begin gently pulling out the shedding hairs. It should come out as if unattached to the skin; if not, wait several days and try again.

New hair growth may be shaved prior to the next hair removal treatment.

It is important to note how your skin tolerated the procedure, such as how long the swelling and redness lasted.  Share this information with the physician, as well as when you noticed significant hair growth.  This information is vital to help the physician individualize treatment and achieve the greatest results.