Frequently asked questions

You have decided to begin the journey of laser hair removal. Congratulations! As you begin, we want to explain everything you need to know to make this an exciting, enjoyable experience & be sure you know exactly what to expect as treatment progresses. Please read carefully & follow instructions strictly.

For best results during your laser hair removal process, you will need a series of appointments with us. These appointments will be scheduled every 2-12 weeks, or when you see hair growth at the treated site. The laser destroys only hair roots that are in the active growth phase. The number of treatments needed depends upon the amount and character of the hair. Before you begin laser hair removal treatments, you will need to come in for a consultation, if you want treatment to begin that day you should have at least two days of hair growth. After the first visit you should shave two days prior to each appointment.

Try not to schedule your appointment before or during your period. Treatment tends to be more painful during this time.
Some of our patients prefer to use a topical anesthetic. Please ask our staff if you feel you would like ‘numbing cream.” You will be given detailed application instructions with the cream.

If you are taking antibiotics, we will need to schedule your appointment approximately two weeks after you have finished your medication. Your skin may be unusually sensitive at this time. Also, if you are using retin-A, retinols, glycolics or salicylic acid topicals (such as Pro-Active) you will need to discontinue these products at least two weeks before beginning any hair removal treatments on the face or neck.

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How long do laser hair removal treatments take?

Appointments last 30 - 90 minutes, depending on the number or size of areas being treated. Please arrive on time, as treatment appointments must follow a strict schedule. We will prepare your skin for treatments as follows:

1. We will cleanse the treatment area of any make-up, lotions or topical anesthetic.
2. After treatment is complete, cold compresses will be placed on the skin for cooling.
3. Aloe gel and/or arnica will be applied.

What will happen after the laser hair removal treatment?

1. Your skin will be red and bumpy for an average of 1-3 hours after the laser hair removal treatment. Continue using cold compresses, aloe and arnica as needed.
2. After your treatment, some hairs will expel immediately. Others will take 1-2 weeks to fall out. This is the shedding process which can be hastened by using a ruff wash cloth on the area.
3. After shedding, you should experience little or no growth for several weeks. New hairs begin to grow as the next group of hairs move into the active growth cycle.

Re-growth will possibly be lighter, finer and/or scattered.

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What can I expect after my treatment laser hair removal is complete?

We cannot guarantee 100% removal of hair. No laser or technology can promise 100% hair removal because many factors that influence hair growth are out of our control. However, with rare exception, most patients can achieve approximately 70-90% permanent hair reduction.

After the completion of your laser hair removal sessions, you may find that you need additional treatments. Typically, it is not unusual to require a touch-up treatment once a year.

Laser hair treatment pre and post treatment care

Rachel Depart, ARNP

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
2. You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing for 6 weeks prior to treatment.
3. If you have had a history of herpes (HSV), prophylactic antiviral therapy may be started the day before treatment and continued one week after treatment.
4. Avoid tanning as if treated, you may have hypo-pigmentation (white spots) or hyper-pigmentation (darker areas) and this may not clear for 2-3 months or more. Also, the use of tanning cream must be discontinued one week before treatment.

POST-TREATMENT CARE:

1. Immediately after treatment, there could be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site that may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area will feel like sunburn for a few hours after treatment. The application of ice during the first few hours after treatment will reduce the discomfort and swelling that may be experienced.
2. We recommend only aloe vera gel, arnica gel or cream or ice after treatment. Darker pigmented people may have more discomfort than lighter skin people and may require the aloe vera gel, arnica or ice longer.
3. Makeup may be used immediately after the treatments unless there is skin surface (epidermal) blistering.
4. Immediately after treatment, there could be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling)
5. Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyper-pigmentation and hypo pigmentation. Avoid exposure to the sun during treatment and for 1 to 2 month following treatment. Use sun screen (SPF 25 or greater) at all times throughout the course of treatment.
6. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or similar treatments (waxing, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle on the treated area for 4-6 wks after the laser treatment is preformed. Shaving or depilatories may be used.
7. Anywhere from 5-14 days after the treatment, shedding of the surface hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or Loofa sponge.
8. After the underarms are treated, use a powder; instead of deodorant, for 24 hours to reduce skin irritation.
9. Call this office with any questions or concerns you may have after the treatment. Call this office for an appointment at the first sign of the return of hair growth. This can mean within 4-6 weeks for the upper body treated and possibly as long as 2-3 months for the lower body treated. Hair re-growth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. New hair growth will not occur for AT LEAST three weeks after treatment.

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Laser vein removal pre and post treatment care

For best results for spider vein treatment, please follow these instructions

1. To AVOID hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after lase spider vein treatment do not expose yourself to the sun without at least 30 SPF sunscreen. Remember the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate clothing. In addition, you must avoid the use of self-tanning agents, spray tans, tanning beds or any other artificial pigment to the skin while undergoing treatment and for at least three weeks prior to the first treatment.
2. Avoid any irritants to you skin such as any products containing retin-a retinol, benzolyl peroxide, glycol/ salicylic acids, or astringents for one week before and after your laser spider vein treatment.
3. Do not use self-tanning agents for at least two weeks before your first laser spider vein treatment. Discontinue use until at least two weeks after your final treatment.
4. If possible, please do not wear any makeup prior to your facial vein removal treatment.
5. One hour before your vein removal treatment, take two Extra Strength Tylenol to minimize discomfort.
6. To avoid the opening of the treated veins & significant bruising do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory products (Anacin, Bufferin, Advil, or Nuprin) or Omega 3, 6 or 9 (Fish oil supplements) for one week before and after treatment. Tylenol may be used. Also, avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before treatment.
7. To decrease any discomfort after laser spider vein removal treatment, support hose or an ace bandage MAY be helpful. It may also help in reducing the amount of bruising. The research comparing the use of support hose versus not using support hose demonstrates mixed results.
8. Post spider vein removal bruising will be minimized by applying Vitamin K cream, Arnica, or Auriderm Cream.
9. To decrease swelling, ice can be applied, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off Swelling will resolve by itself in a few hours. Bromelain 750 mg four times per day is a homeopathic remedy utilized to reduce swelling. Do not take on an empty stomach.

Note: Even after the majority of veins have been treated, new spider veins can develop. Make an appointment to return for evaluation in 6 weeks.

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