What to Expect

It is normal to experience:

• Mild redness and swelling around the hair follicles for a few hours to 48 hours.

• A sensation similar to a mild sunburn.

• Hair will gradually shed over the next 1–3 weeks. This is normal and is not new hair growth.

For the First 24–48 Hours

• Apply a cool compress if needed for comfort.

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel if the skin feels dry or irritated.

• Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and excessive heat.

• Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause heavy sweating.

• Do not scratch, pick, or rub the treated area.

Sun Protection

• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment whenever possible.

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily on treated areas exposed to the sun.

• Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners until the skin has completely healed.

Skin Care

For 3–5 days:

• Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.

• Avoid exfoliating products, scrubs, loofahs, retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin), glycolic acids, salicylic acids, and other irritating skincare products unless instructed otherwise.

• Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading, or using depilatory creams between treatments. These remove the hair root needed for laser treatment.

• Shaving is permitted once the skin is no longer irritated.

Makeup

• If the face was treated, makeup may be applied after 24 hours if the skin is intact and no irritation is present.

When to Contact Our Office

Please contact us if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain.

• Significant blistering or burns.

• Signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, warmth, or fever).

• Persistent swelling lasting longer than 72 hours.

• Any unexpected reaction or concerns.

Treatment Schedule

• Most patients require 6–10 treatments, depending on hair color, thickness, hormone levels, and treatment area.

• Treatments are typically scheduled every:

  • 4–6 weeks for the face.

  • 6–8 weeks for the body.

• Periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended.

Before Your Next Appointment

• Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.

• Avoid waxing, tweezing, or threading between sessions.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning.

• Inform your provider of any new medications, especially antibiotics, acne medications, or medications that increase sun sensitivity.