Before And After Care Instruction
Find pre-care checklists and post-treatment guidance for laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, body contouring, and more.
Pre Laser Treatment Checklist
Key timing and preparation steps to review before a laser appointment.
- Avoid Accutane
- Avoid waxing, plucking, using depilatory (hair removal cream) or other hair removal practices.
- Avoid photosensitive medications (i.e. Anti-biotic, Doxycycline, Tricyclic antidepressants, Quinidine, Amiodarone, St. John Wort etc.)
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, self tanner such as creams or spray.
- Refrain from getting Botox/ Filler on the same treatment site.
- Avoid skin irritants (i.e. Products contain tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA, BHA, vitamin C/L-ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.)
- Avoid Anticoagulants
- Ensure the treatment area is clean-shaven one day prior to your appointment.
- If you have a history of Herpes Simplex Virus or cold sores, you must premeditate one day prior to treatment to prevent further outbreaks.
- For facial treatment: Refrain from applying makeup, lotion, cream, serum, oil, or perfume on the day of your treatment.
- For body treatment: Avoid applying body lotions, oils, perfumes, and deodorants, and remove any jewelry from the areas to be treated beforehand.
- Please inform your technician if you have ever had tattoos or cosmetic pigmentation or permanent makeup applied near the area of treatment.
- Please inform your technician if you become pregnant or you have any changes to your health history or medication since your last appointment.
Laser Treatment Pre And Post Care
Care instructions for laser hair removal, tattoo removal, pigmentation, acne, and skin resurfacing treatments.
AFTER TREATMENT:
First 24 to 48 Hours: What to Expect
- Redness (erythema) is common around treated hair follicles
- Slight swelling (edema) or small red bumps may appear
- Mild hives can occur in sensitive areas - usually temporary
- Dryness or flakiness may also occur and typically resolves with proper post-care, such as moisturizing and avoiding irritation.
All of these are normal signs of follicle response to the laser
First 7-14 days: What to Expect
Over the next 7-14 days, the treated hairs will gradually shed - this is not new hair growth. As the hairs fall out, you may notice slight itching or a tingling sensation, which is a normal part of the shedding process.
To support a smooth and speedy recovery and ensure the best results, please follow the aftercare steps below:
- Cleanse: Keep skin clean: Gently cleanse your skin with a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Avoid using hot water, lukewarm is best.
- Use gentle products: Moisturize regularly: Keep your skin moisturized with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to support the recovery process.
- Skip strenuous activities: avoid heavy workouts, saunas, or anything that causes excessive sweating for at least 24-48 hours to prevent irritations and ensure proper recovery.
- Loose clothing: Avoid tight clothes that rub or trap heat on treated areas.
- Cool Compress (immediately post treatment): If you experience increased sensitivity, redness, or a sunburn-like sensation, gently apply a cold compress to soothe the area and reduce swelling.
- Sensitive skin: Allergic Reactions: If you notice signs of a mild histamine reaction - such as hives, small red bumps, or itchiness - you may apply 1% hydrocortisone cream or take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help relieve the symptoms.
- No makeup: Avoid makeup (Facial Hair Removal Only) : Skip makeup for at least 24 hours post treatment to allow your skin to breathe and heal without obstruction.
- Do not: No picking or scratching: occasionally clients may experience skin dryness and itchiness, avoid rubbing/picking the skin.
- Sun protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50, reapply every 2 hours if you are spending time outdoors. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds.
Gentle Exfoliation: Starting in the second week, gently exfoliate the treated area 2-3 times per week to help speed up the hair shedding process and keep the skin smooth.
If you notice any side effects that seem abnormal or are not listed here, please contact us immediately.
Other Treatments Pre And Post Care
Guidance for facials, peels, CoolSculpting, and EmSculpt body contouring treatments.
Pre-Care:
Avoid Sun Exposure: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Stop Using Exfoliating Treatments: Cease the use of any exfoliating treatments, including Retin-A, retinol, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Refrain from Waxing or Using Depilatories: Avoid waxing or using hair removal creams on the treatment area for at least 48 hours before your HydraFacial.
Avoid Facial Procedures: Do not undergo any other facial treatments, such as chemical peels or laser treatments, for at least two weeks before your HydraFacial.
Consultation: Inform your provider about any medications you are taking or any skin conditions you have.
Post-Care:
Avoid Sun Exposure: Continue to protect your skin from the sun for at least 72 hours after treatment by using broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight.
Skip Exfoliation: Refrain from using any exfoliating products, including scrubs and peels, for at least 48 hours after your HydraFacial.
Avoid Heat Exposure: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent irritation.
Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated by applying a gentle moisturizer as needed.
Use Gentle Products: Stick to gentle skincare products for at least 48 hours following the procedure. Avoid products with active ingredients like retinol or AHAs.
Avoid Makeup: Try to avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours to allow your skin to breathe and recover.