Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal - Heathfield
It is necessary to destroy the hair follicle from which individual hairs grow. To do this well-controlled pulses of light are used to penetrate the upper skin layer, these are absorbed by the body’s natural chemical – melanin – which is found in the hair within the hair follicle. The light energy is converted to heat, this damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments would be advisable.
Do’s and Don’ts with Laser Treatments
Pre-Treatment
- Do not tan or use self-tanner for at least 3-4 weeks before your treatment.
- Stop retinoids such as Tretinoin, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, glycolic acids, or other exfoliants one week before treatment.
- Do shave all hair present in the area to be treated.
- Men should shave the beard area twice in succession to ensure a close shave if this is the area we are treating.
- Do let our team know if you have a history of cold sores, as you may need to pre-treat with an oral anti-viral medication three days before your scheduled visit.
- Do not have treatment if you have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last 6 months.
- On the day of treatment, please arrive with clean skin without makeup, moisturizers, or sunblock.
Post-Treatment
- Some patients have a mild sunburn sensation that typically resolves in a few hours. Skin redness, mild swelling or less commonly, bruising, can occur and will resolve.
- Do use cold compresses to reduce swelling or discomfort if needed.
- Your practitioner may provide you with cortisone cream to decrease inflammation: use as directed.
- Do be gentle with your skin in the following days. Use gentle cleansers (Cetaphil, CeraVe), lukewarm water, and do not rub or pick the skin.
- It is crucial to avoid sun exposure and self-tanner between treatments. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen SPF 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times. It should be reapplied every 2 hours if outside. Wear a hat if possible.
- Dark spots and patches will usually darken initially after treatment. Crusting of the skin can form. Please allow these areas to naturally flake off. Do Not pick. This may take 5-10 days.
- Moisturizers and makeup may be used immediately if the skin is not broken.
- Do not use Tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, glycolic acids, or other exfoliants for one week.
- Do not have chemical peels, facials, or microdermabrasion for 2-3 weeks. Follow-Up Treatment:
- Follow up treatments should be scheduled about every 4-6 weeks
- Consistent treatments will produce the best results.
- For pigmentation, 1-2 treatments may be all that is necessary initially but maintenance treatments are usually needed.
- For diffuse redness (rosacea), it may take 3-5 treatments for optimal results.
