The purpose of this treatment is to diminish or remove unwanted hair. Possible benefits of this treatment are delayed regrowth of the hair, lightening of the hair, decreased density of the hair and long-term or permanent reduction in the number of hairs growing in the treatment areas.

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid any tanning of any type 3-4 weeks before treatment.
• Avoid irritant topical agents for 2-3 days before treatment.
• Avoid chemical peels, bleaching, and other laser procedures in the treatment area 2 weeks before treatment.
• Avoid receiving natural fillers (hyaluronic acid, Juvederm, Restylane, collagen) 4-6 weeks before treating in the area. Clients receiving synthetic fillers (silicone) cannot be treated in the area.
• Discontinue Accutane (Isotretinoin) 6 months prior to treatment.
• If the face is to be treated, avoid retinol for 3-4 weeks before your treatment.
• Do not pluck, wax, or have electrolysis for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Avoid anticoagulants for 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically permitted.
• Shave treatment area and ensure that skin is clean within 24 hours of treatment.

Day of Treatment

• Skin must be clean and free of makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant, sunless tanning products, numbing cream, etc. Products on the skin can increase the likelihood of adverse responses to the laser.
• Avoid activities that increase body temperature for at least 2 hours before and after treatments.
• Clients prone to cold sores may take an antiviral medication prior to treatments if advised by their personal physician. The heat from the laser can aggravate a reaction.
• Clients with active cold sores cannot be treated in the area of active sores.
• Skin that is sunburned, hot to the touch, peeling, or is otherwise damaged cannot be treated.

Post-Treatment

• Avoid any tanning of any type for 6 weeks.
• Avoid retinol for 4 weeks after treatment if face was treated.
• Can apply over-the-counter steroid cream for irritation, if needed.
• Avoid irritant topical agents for 2-3 days post-treatment.
• Avoid tight clothing, boots, heated seats, etc. The body needs time to cool down after treatment to avoid complications.
• Avoid activities that increase body temperature for at least 2 hours after treatment.
• Makeup and deodorant may be reapplied immediately if the skin is not irritated.
• Mild redness and swelling of the hair follicles may occur (histamine response). This is normal and should lessen with time.
• Avoid picking or scratching the skin. 
• Cool cloths may be applied.
• Avoid sun exposure. Unprotected sun exposure may lead to undesired results, including hyperpigmentation (dark areas).

Potential Side Effects

• The best way to minimize the risk of side effects is to avoid UV exposure for 7 days pre and post-treatment.
• Avoid sunburns and tans for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid sunless tanning products for 7 days before treatment.
• Provide your technician with an accurate and up-to-date medical history in order to receive safe and effective treatments.
• Side effects are uncommon but may include:
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin),
  • Hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigmentation),
  • Mild to moderate burns or blisters,
  • Permanent skin discoloration,
  • Temporary redness,
  • Follicular edema (little pink/red “puffiness, and small bumps like “goosebumps”),
  • Swelling and itching in the treated area
  • Hives,
  • Rashes,
  • Bruising,
  • Lack of desired results.

Contraindications

• Clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot be treated.
• Technicians cannot treat over tattoos.
• Suntanned skin. In the event of an active or severe sunburn, the procedure cannot proceed. You’ll be expected to allow the skin to fully heal before returning for your treatment.
• Keloid scarring. There are some cases where your consultant might still be able to perform laser hair removal.
• Herpes & cold sores. Laser hair removal is possible once the herpes virus is kept under control.
• Recent waxing/plucking & usage of depilatory creams.
• Lesions, open wounds.
• There are some health conditions that are widely considered to be contraindications to laser hair removal. Among them are:
  • Psoriasis
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Severe reactions to histamines
  • Previous surgery such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing
  • Vitiligo
  • Epilepsy

If you suffer from any of these conditions, you may not be suitable for treatment.

Your laser practitioner will advise the best course of action in a consultation.