Pre-Laser Hair Removal Instructions

1. The area to be treated should not have been exposed to the sun or tanning booth for at least 4 to 6 weeks before treatment. If so, treatment can cause blistering and possibly hypopigmentation (white spots) that can last for months.
2. If you use tanning cream, do not apply for 7 days before treatment.
3. Do not apply deodorants, makeup or skin lotion to the treatment area on the day of your appointment, or clean this off with a baby wipe or soap and water before your appointment time.
4. Do not wax, pluck, bleach, use chemical depilatories or have electrolysis for at least 4 to 6 weeks before treatment. Shaving is fine.
5. Shave the area to be treated 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. A small amount of “stubble” is fine, but longer hair must be removed.
6. Patients taking high doses of iron may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin. This change usually resolves but can last for months. Be sure to tell us about any
   supplements, vitamins, or medications you are taking.
7. If you have a history of peri-oral herpes (cold sores) and are having laser to the face, a prophylactic antiviral therapy may be started 24 hours before treatment and continued for 1 week.
8. If you are having significant pain from the treatment, we will prescribe a numbing cream. This should be applied to the treatment area approximately every 10 to 15 minutes starting about 1 hour before the scheduled appointment. We will clean the area off immediately before treatment.