LASER HAIR REMOVAL

ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser Hair Removal targets and destroys active hair follicles using concentrated light energy to provide long-term reduction of unwanted hair.
It’s a safe, effective treatment for most skin types and body areas when performed with proper preparation and aftercare.
Following these instructions helps ensure optimal results and minimizes side effects.

PRE-TREATMENT CARE

Two to Three Weeks Before Treatment

• Stop waxing, tweezing, threading, and chemical depilation (e.g., Nair or sugaring) at least 3 weeks before your session.
  • These methods remove the hair follicle, which is necessary for the laser to target.
• Shaving is allowed and recommended — the hair root must remain intact beneath the skin.
• Clients who have used isotretinoin (Accutane) or similar medications in the past 6 months cannot undergo laser treatments due to skin sensitivity.

One Week Before Treatment

• Avoid all sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products for at least 7 days before treatment.
  • If your skin is sunburned, tanned, or artificially bronzed, treatment must be delayed for at least 2 weeks.
• If you’ve used sunless tanning products, exfoliate thoroughly to remove residual pigment.
• Discontinue the use of active skincare products, including:
  • Retinoids or retinol
  • Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA)
  • Hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating scrubs
• Avoid chemical peels, facials, or other laser procedures on the area for at least 2 weeks before and after your treatment.
• Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity — consult your prescribing physician if you are currently taking one or plan to start.
  • You must be off antibiotics for 7 days before treatment.
• Clients with abnormal moles, lesions, or suspicious spots on the treatment area should have them evaluated by their primary care provider before proceeding.

24 Hours Before Treatment

• Shave the treatment area closely within 24 hours of your appointment.
  • This ensures the laser energy targets the follicle beneath the skin rather than surface hair, improving comfort and efficacy.
• Do not apply lotions, creams, deodorant, makeup, or sunscreen to the area on the day of your treatment.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity that increases body temperature or perspiration 2 hours before your session.

Day of Appointment

• Arrive with clean, product-free skin in the area to be treated.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid friction post-treatment.
• Inform your provider if you:
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Have recently started new medications.
  • Have had recent sun exposure or tanning.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

Immediately After Treatment

• It’s common to experience mild redness, swelling (follicular edema), or a sunburn-like sensation for several hours to a day.
• Apply cool compresses, ice packs, or pure aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
• You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for mild discomfort; avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) unless directed by your provider.
• Do not scratch, pick, or rub the treated area.
• If blistering or crusting occurs:
  • Do not puncture blisters — they will heal naturally.
  • Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin) until the skin fully heals.

First 48–72 Hours

• Avoid:
  • Extended sun exposure or tanning.
  • Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and long hot showers.
  • Tight clothing or friction on the treated area.
  • Seat warmers or heating pads.
• Use gentle cleanser and fragrance-free moisturizer as needed.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily — sun protection is essential after all laser procedures.

First Week

• Avoid additional laser or chemical procedures on the treated area for at least 2 weeks post-treatment or until the skin is fully healed.
• Exfoliate the treated area gently 3–5 days after treatment to help loosen and shed treated hairs and minimize ingrown hairs.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, or excessive sweating for 24 hours after treatment to prevent irritation and prolonged redness.

Shedding Phase (2–3 Weeks Post-Treatment)

• You may notice what appears to be new hair growth within 1–3 weeks — this is not new growth.
  • These are treated hairs being expelled from the follicle.
  • You may gently exfoliate or use a washcloth to help this process.
• Once shedding is complete, the treated area may remain smooth for several days to weeks until the next growth cycle begins.

RESULTS AND TREATMENT PLAN

• Hair grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active (anagen) phase can be targeted by the laser.
• For best results:
  • Facial areas: schedule every 4 weeks
  • Body areas: schedule every 6 weeks
• A series of 6–8 sessions is typically required for optimal permanent reduction.
• Maintenance sessions may be needed every 6–12 months depending on hair and hormonal factors.
• Shaving between sessions is allowed and encouraged; avoid waxing, tweezing, or threading during the treatment series.

WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE

Contact Specialty Wellness & MedSpa immediately at 469-442-4442 if you experience:

• Severe pain, swelling, or blistering
• Spreading redness, warmth, or signs of infection
• Pigment changes (darkening or lightening of skin)
• Any unusual reaction that persists beyond 3 days

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Specialty Wellness & MedSpa at 469-442-4442.
Our team is here to support you through every step of your treatment process to ensure safe, smooth, and effective results.