The most important thing as you get ready for your laser hair removal treatment is that your skin is healthy and undamaged, and you have roots so the laser has something to target, and then will reduce hair growth.

DO: Wear sunblock with SPF 50 or higher if you are planning to be in the sun within one month of your treatment.
DON’T: Go to tanning beds or get sunburned. Also avoid the use of heavily perfumed lotions or creams prior to the treatment.
DO: Shave the area that you plan to have laser hair removal treatment on the night before you're headed to the treatment center. This helps to make sure that the laser has a target, the root, in the hair follicle.
DON’T: Wax, bleach, or pluck the hairs in the area where you are getting laser treatment. The way laser treatments at Winter Park Medical Center works is by targeting the root of the hair follicle, destroying the hair follicle. Plucking or waxing hairs removes the root, which means the laser won’t be able to target it effectively.
Do: Protect your skin from the sun: Since your skin will be sensitive after laser hair removal, we recommend that you avoid getting
direct sun exposure. You should avoid the sun for 1 month before the procedure to 1 month afterward. After this time, apply
sunscreen to the area of treatment every day.

 

PREP CARE
(What to do before your appointment)

 

• Area must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment.The closer the shave the better.

• If it is your first time, leave a small patch of hair so that your specialist can exam it.

• Bikini services, don ’t shave the part where you want to keep the hair.

• No makeup/lotion/deodorant on the day of your appointment (on treatment area).

• Stay out of direct sunlight for 30 days prior to your appointment (& 30 days after).

• Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.

• Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment .

• Avoid waxing/threading/tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is ok!

important notes: (1) laser services cannot be performed on ladies who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. (2) bikini

laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients. (3) Technicians can not go over tattoos.

 

4 WEEKS AND LONGER 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.

 

3 WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT

 

• Avoid waxing, plucking, tweezing, threading, chemical epilation, micro-needling, etc. due to the disruption of the hair follicle, which is the target for the laser.

 

2 WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT

 

• Avoid tanning beds and sunless tanning products for safety reasons.

• Avoid chemical peels, bleaching, and other laser procedures in the treatment area.

• Avoid receiving Botox, Dysport, and Kybella injections in the treatment area.

 

1 WEEK BEFORE TREATMENT

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• Avoid sun exposure greater than 15 minutes, even if wearing sunscreen. UV rays activate melanocytes in the skin, which leads to competing targets for the laser, resulting in a decrease in desired results or hypopigmentation (white spots) which may not resolve for several months.

• Some medications, including many antibiotics, can increase your sensitivity to the heat and light of the laser. Please disclose all medications to your laser technician so safety can be established. Medications that are photosensitive may necessitate rescheduling. Please call the clinic to check safety.

• Alpha and beta hydroxy (AHA/BHA) products, hydroquinone, retinols/retinoids (Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, etc.), and salicylic acid washes must be discontinued at least 7 days prior to treatment.

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DAY BEFORE TREATMENT

• The treatment area must be clean-shaven 12-24 hours prior to treatment. Unshaven clients will be rescheduled. Razors are not provided in the clinics.

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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 24 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.

• Once you arrive for your treatment at Winter Park Medical Center, it’s imperative that you follow all the instructions of the staff to ensure you and everyone else remain safe and the treatment is effective

• Wear the protective eyewear they provide for you—you may think you look silly, but looking a little weird for a few minutes is much better than suffering eye damage.

• Don’t Be afraid to ask questions or speak up if something is uncomfortable during the treatment. Your technician is there to help you, so make sure you let them know how you’re feeling or ask if there is something you don’t understand.

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POST CARE

• Redness & Bumps are normal. Immediately after your treatment, redness & bumps at the treatment area are common. It is
  normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You can use a cold compress if the sensitivity continues. If
  there is any crusting, apply an antibiotic cream. Darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort than lighter skin & may
  persist longer.

• Cleanse the area treated gently. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.

• No makeup & lotion/moisturizer/deodorant for the first 24 hours. Keep the treated area clean & dry, if further redness or
  Irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, & deodorant (for underarms) until the irritation has subsided.

• Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment. Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. That is normal & they will fall out quickly.

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DAY OF TREATMENT

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• Apply a zinc oxide sunscreen (SPF 50+) and use it daily throughout 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 24 hours after treatment.

• 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).

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DAY AFTER TREATMENT

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• Continue to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and other sources of UV light.

• Continue to use zinc oxide sunscreen daily.

• Continue to keep skin cool, using Restorative Gel.
  If redness, swelling, or itching continues, over-the-counter cortisone cream and/or an oral antihistamine (Benadryl) may be used in addition to cool cloths and Restorative Gel. Do not use ice.
  If the skin is broken, apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. Do not puncture blisters.

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2 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT

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• Shedding of treated hair continues. This is NOT new hair growth.

• Artificial tanning may be resumed but is not recommended.

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POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF LAZER HAIR REMOVAL

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• The ASAPS says that redness or discoloration, and swelling are common — but temporary — side effects of laser hair removal. You may also experience mild pain. Such side effects usually resolve, according to the AADA. An experienced, board-certified professional will work to reduce side effects from laser hair removal by using the right types of lasers for your skin and hair color or type. We also ask you about your medical history and any medications you take that might cause adverse reactions.

• More serious side effects of this procedure may include:

• skin pigmentation changes, which may be permanent

• scars

• burns

• severe pain

• blisters

• infections

• It’s important to understand that laser hair removal is different for everyone. But everyone should be prepared to get several
  treatments over a period of time. Hair grows in different cycles and at different rates, so one treatment won’t rid you of all your
  unwanted hair. For more tips and to get started on your laser hair removal treatment, contact Winter Park Medical Center today!

 

Do Not Hesitate to contact us if you experience side effects, Our team is available 24 hours to take your call and schedule follow-up consultations with the Doctor.