Services > Laser Hair Removal > Guidelines for Treatment

Guidelines for Treatment

Before Treatment

Do not wax, pluck, or have electrolysis for at least six weeks prior to treatment.

Use Sunscreen Daily.
Please avoid any sun exposure to the areas to be treated for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment and remember to use SPF 20-30 sunscreen at all times. This includes after treatment as well. Any amount of sun tan will interfere with effectiveness of the treatment and increase adverse reactions.

Topical Anesthetic.
Should you need or desire a topical anesthetic cream, a prescription for topical tetracaine will be provided. Approximately 2 hours before the start of your procedure, apply the cream to the area that will be treated, then cover with a plastic SARAN WRAP material.

Please shave the area within 10 hours of your appointment unless the density of hair growth is very sparse and difficult to appreciate. If this is the case, leave some hair visible so we may determine precisely where to treat.

Antiviral Medications.
If you have a history of herpes or cold sores/fever blisters in the area to be treated, you will need to take a prescribed antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak after the laser treatment. This medication must be started 24-48 hours prior to your treatment, and continued for 5 days. Please notify the office ASAP if you develop any type of rash or outbreak in the area to be treated prior to the laser treatment. Your treatment may need to be postponed until this clears.


Bleaching Cream (Lustra, Clear, etc.)
Bleaching cream only applies to a small percentage of people (If you have darker toned skin, this may be necessary). If it has been recommended that you use a bleaching cream before your treatment, please apply it to the area to be treated as directed. Normally we ask that you apply it 1-2 times a day for 4-6 weeks prior to the treatment depending on your skin color. We may ask that you resume this regimen following your treatment as well to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Guidelines after the treatment:

Hair will fall out of the follicles within the next week or so. You may rub the treated area with a dry towel to pull the hair out of the follicles at this time. Do not shave, it will prolong hair from falling out.

Immediately after treatment apply iced compresses every 3-4 hours for 15-20 minutes for about 48 hours.

Avoid bathing or washing with hot water. Try to use tepid or warm water until the sensation of a sunburn goes away in a day or 2. Use a mild soap, such as Dove.

Keep the area moisturized with Cortaid, Lubriderm, or other prescribed or recommended lotions.

Avoid the sun and use sunscreen daily with SPF of 20-30.

Avoid irritants on the treated areas, especially the face (Retin-A, Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Astrigents, etc.)

No picking, scratching or scrubbing of the treated areas.

Take any prescription medications or creams as directed.

Treatment should be repeated within one to three months, whenever necessary.