Treatment Advice
HAIR REMOVAL
Pre-treatment Advice
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Please do not wax, tweeze or have electrolysis for six weeks prior to your laser treatment. Shaving is the preferred method of hair removal before treatment.
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Do not use retin-A or glycolics for at least three days prior to LHR as these are skin irritants.
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Do not use photosensitive drugs for seven days prior to treatment; do not use accutane within one year.
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Shave off all the hair you do not want before your laser treatment (with a blade, in the shower), and leave some growth to any areas where you would like to keep hair.
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Although the Coolglide is effective for all skin types, the lighter your skin at the time of treatment the better the laser can get through to the roots where it is needed. In a small number of cases, temporary hypopigmentation can occur following laser hair removal, especially in darkly tanned skin.
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Do not wear cosmetics if facial areas are to be treated.
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Patients with a history of Herpes Simplex 1 or 2 should be put on antiviral drugs beginning the day before treatment when treating the upper lip or chin. Antivirals should be taken for one week prior to lasering the bikini area and perineum.
Post Hair Removal
Treatment Advice
Treated area may be tender, slightly red, and swollen. This usually disappears within 12 to 24 hours. If the swelling occurs, you may want to apply ice for 15 minutes, a few times a day, for comfort. Hydrocortisone ointment or cream may also be applied to decrease redness and swelling. Also, zinc cream (baby bum cream) is a natural anti-inflammatory and will decrease redness and reduce sensitivity.
Burns or blistering are extremely rare. Please telephone us if you have any of these side effects.
The hair will normally shed from the body in 2 to 3 weeks. It is normal for hair to look like it is growing as it is being shed.
It is normal for there to be a few remaining hairs left after 4 weeks; these will be treated in the next session.
The skin on the underarms will be sensitive to chemicals in anti-perspirant and deodorant for the following 24 to 48 hours after lasering. Please do not apply deodorant if you have sensitivity or discomfort in this area.
We recommend that you use mineral makeup only after any facial lasering. Mineral makeup contains zinc oxide, which is an anti-inflammatory. This makeup will help cover and remove redness. In addition, mineral makeup has natural antibacterial properties and is an effective sun block. Mineral makeup can be purchased at Off the Hook.
We recommend that clients wait at least 6 weeks between facial lasering and 8 weeks between lasering to other body parts. This is to ensure adequate re-growth (the more hair that is growing, the more hair we will kill with the laser). As well, as treatments progress, it may take longer and longer to have adequate growth to laser. At this time, the nurse and client will discuss when the client should book an appointment.
If you have not had good hair loss within 4 weeks, please call us to book a consultation. Please be aware that a new hair cycle typically occurs within 6 to 8 weeks (depending on the body area). If you wait months to inform us of poor results, we will not be able to distinguish between new hair growth and previously lasered hair. At 4 weeks, you should have virtually no hair.
Call any time if you have questions or concerns. Typically, the reception staff will call the day after your laser treatment to ask about your experience and answer any questions. If you would like to talk to a Registered Nurse, please let reception know and a R.N. will call you back. In the event that you do not want a follow-up call, please let reception know so we do not bother you.