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LASER HAIR REMVOAL PRE- & POST-TREATMENT CARE
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • The best way to minimize the risk of side effects is to avoid UV exposure for 7 days pre-and post-treatment. 

  • Avoid sunburns and tans for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. 

  • Avoid sunless tanning products for 7 days before treatment. 

  • Provide your nurse practitioner with an accurate and up to date medical history in order to receive safe and effect treatments. 

  • Side effects are uncommon but bay include; Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), Hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigmentation), mild to moderate burns or blisters, permanent skin discoloration, temporary redness, follicular edema (little pink/red "puffiness and small bumps like "goose bumps"), selling and itching in the treated area, hives, rashes, bruising, and lack of desired results. 

  • Clients who are pregnant  cannot be treated. 

  • Providers cannot treat over tattoos. 

  • If you have epilepsy, BSW is unable to provide treatment. 

PRE-TREATMENT CARE

  • The area to be treated must be clean-shaven the day prior to hair removal.  Unshaven clients will be rescheduled. 

  • Avoid UV exposure 7 days prior to your treatment. 

  • Clients who are sunburned or tanned must wait 2 weeks before being treated to avoid additional skin damage. 

  • Avoid sunless tanning products 7 days prior to your treatment. It is recommended that you exfoliate the area to remove any residual color. 

  • If applicable, apply numbing cream to clean skin 30-40 minutes prior to your treatment. If you are doing brazilin or bikini hair removal you will need to stop by the office the day prior to your appointment to pick up numbing cream.

  • Please come with clean skin in the area to be treated. No lotions or products other than numbing cream if prescribed.

  • Avoid chemical peels and other laser procedures in the area to be treated for 2 weeks prior and two weeks after your laser treatment. 

  • Avoid all alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxyl products (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone, retinols/retinoid, Tazorac, and Differin for 7 days before treatment. 

  • Clients with any abnormal lesions, moles or spots on the area to be treated must be cleared by a medical practitioner prior to treatment. 

  • Clients must stop waxing, tweezing and chemical epilation 3 weeks prior to treatment. 

  • If you are prone to cold sores, it is highly recommended to take an anti-viral medication (such as Valtrex) prior to your treatment. Clients with active cold sores will not be treated. 

  • Clients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT have laser hair removal treatments. 

  • Clients should not perform any physical activity that increases the bodies temperature or blood pressure within 2 hours before and after treatments. 

  • If you have Botox or dermal fillers in the area to be treated, wait 14 days both before and after injection to receive treatments. 

  • Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. W recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment. 

  • Boots may not be worn immediately after leg treatments. 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR TREATMENT

  • Clients with red, grey or blonde hair in the area to be treated should consult with the provider at BSW prior to receiving treatments, as the laser is less effective on these hair colors. 

  • During your treatment you can expect slight discomfort, similar to a rubber-band snap on your skin. Numbing cream is provided for bikini and Brazilian hair removal only. Numbing cream is available for purchase for other areas if desired. 

  • You may experience slight redness, bumps, and swelling in the treated area for up to 72 hours. If these condition persist, topical creams such as aloe, calamine or hydrocortisone may be applied. 

  • Allow a minimum of 7-14 days post treatment for hair to "fall out" or shed from the skin. 

  • On average, clients experience up to 30% reduction after each treatment. 

  • For best results, allow your technician to customize your treatment schedule based on your needs. 

  • Be advised clients may not bring children under the age of 12 to their appointments. 

POST-TREATMENT CARE

  • Avoid extended UV exposure for 7 days post-treatment. 

  • If blisters occur, do not puncture. IF skin is broken, apply antibiotic ointment until healed. 

  • Tylenol is recommended for post-treatment discomfort. 

  • Over the counter medication is recommended for post treatment discomfort. You may also apply cool towels, ice packs (not directly) or aloe vera to alleviate discomfort due to heat. 

  • Avoid using seat warmers immediately after treatment. 

  • Avoid any additional laser treatments or chemical procedures on the treated area for at least 2 weeks post-treatment or until healing has occurred. 

  • Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher is critical when receiving laser treatments and is recommended ongoing for maintenance. 

  • If you experience any side effects, such as hypo-or hyper-pigmentation, prolonged redness or swelling, a histamine reaction, or blistering, call or come in for instructions on treatment. 

  • To achieve the best results, complete the full treatment schedule at the intervals recommended by your technician. 

  • Exfoliate treated areas to minimize risk of ingrown hairs. 

  • Understanding Active Surge will help you know when you should schedule you next appointment(s) in order to get the best clinic results. 

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

The body goes through three different growth phases: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair in the Anagen phase. The Anagen phase is when the hair is growing and has the most blood supply; this is the only time laser hair removal works.

WHY DOES KNOWING ABOUT ACTIVE SURGE MATTER?

This allows you to know when you should begin scheduling appointments for the treatment area(s) and how long you should wait for an effective treatment. 

WHAT IS ACTIVE SURGE?

Active surge is when your hair transitions into the Anagen phase. Why is that important? Active surge will help you keep your treatments scheduled efficiently, making your appointments more effective.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY THE ACTIVE SURGE?

An active surge is easily identified by resistance. Resistance is felt from the hair follicles against sheets, clothing, shaving & touch. This can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, & irritation from hair follicles.

WHEN TO NOTICE ACTIVE SURGE

Clients should start noticing active surge prior to their next appointment, depending on the body area being treated. When noticing an active surge, you should call and schedule your next appointment as soon as possible. 

ACTIVE SURGE VS. SHEDDING

For shedding, you will notice a “surge” but if you were to pull on your hairs they will come out with no tension. You need to be exfoliating regularly to assist those hairs in removal. When you are in the active surge there will be tension when you pull on your hairs.

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