Aesthetic-Medical Laser Treatments

Before Laser Hair Reduction:

• Avoid exposure to the sun or a sun bed for two weeks prior to treatment. Also avoid sunless tanning for one month prior to treatment 
• Avoid plucking, waxing, or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. 
• Shave the area to be treated 2-3 days prior to your appointment. (This will allow the laser pulse to go directly to the hair follicle and prevent thermal injury to skin's surface). 
• Avoid skin exfoliants and irritants such as retinols, AHA’s, and glycolic acids at least 7 days prior to your laser treatment 
• Avoid use of creams, lotions, and ointments (especially petroleum based) 
• Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin a few days prior as these medicines may react to the laser light. 
• It is imperative that you inform us of your history, medications, and any supplements you are currently taking as they may have a reaction with laser treatments. 
• Come with no makeup (if the face is to be treated), and do not apply moisturizers, lotions, or creams prior to treatment of any laser treated area. 

During Laser Hair Reduction:

• Please come with the area to be treated clean
• Do not apply lotions, moisturizers, creams, serums, or ointments prior to your treatment.
• The client and provider must wear protective eye wear. This will be provided for you during your treatment
• Expect to feel a “snappy” sensation (if you need a short break, let your provider know).

After Laser Hair Reduction:

• Immediately following treatment, the area, it is normal to see erythema (redness and some swelling). This phenomenon is known as follicular edema. You may also experience itching, and irritation to your skin with bumps. 
• Around 2 or 3 weeks, approximately 10% to 15% of the treated hairs may fall out. 
• If a crust develops, let it fall off on its own. Do not pick or scratch it off. 
• Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel, arnica care gel, or a high-quality gentle unscented moisturizer with 30-50 SPF to the treated area several times a day to keep it moist and maximize healing. 
• That evening, you may wash with cool water and then gently pat dry. Do not shave the area if is swollen or crusting. 
• Discomfort or stinging may be relieved with Tylenol, cool packs covered in a soft towel (NOT ice). 
• Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin as these medicines may react to the laser light. 
• If you need to apply make-up on the area you must apply and remove it delicately. 
• Do not scratch or rub the area. It can open the treated area and increase the chance of infection and scarring. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 72 hours following the treatment.
• Avoid hot showers, baths, jacuzzi/hot tub, steam baths or saunas, and don’t swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. 
• Avoid use of creams, lotions, and ointments (especially petroleum based) 
• Don’t use bleaching creams or perfume products for 7 days after your treatment. 
• Avoid exfoliating or peels during your treatments. 
• Bikini, leg, and underarm laser hair reduction, avoid wearing tight clothing for four- or five-days following treatment. 
• Avoid skin exfoliants and irritants such as retinols, AHA’s, and glycolic acids during your treatment duration. 
• Frequently look at the area. if there are signs of infection like pus, tenderness, or blisters, contact our office.

Contradictions

• Laser hair removal treatment will not be performed on sunburnt skin or skin that had procedures, such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels prior to appointment. 
• Avoid use of steroids, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and analgesics like ibuprofen. These are photosensitizing drugs that are activated by ultraviolet A light wavelengths and may cause severe reactions. 
• Avoid taking Isotretinoin (Accutane) for 6 months before undergoing laser hair removal and laser skin treatments. This drug can cause skin sensitivity. 
• Skin cancer lesions 
• Pregnancy - It is not recommended to use laser directly over the uterus. Research does suggest however, that therapeutic laser is safe at distant sites. 
• Breast Feeding 
• Epilepsy 
• Treatment directly over the Thyroid Gland 
• Mental disorders and unrealistic expectations to the treatment 
• If you have any medical conditions, please check with your physician

Some Medical Conditions to Consider Prior to Having Laser Treatment's:

• Chronic herpes viral conditions (cold sores, fever blisters). You can be prescribed an antiviral medication to start several days prior to treatment. 

If you experience swelling, irritation, or discomfort post treatment, our RN, PA-C or Physician can call in a steroid prescription to minimize the symptoms. Please give us the name and phone number to your pharmacy. 

Also, after 24 hours, you may apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the treated area a couple times daily as needed. 

Post treatment skincare instructions must be followed to prevent any complications. 

NOTE: Packages are nonrefundable. If you wish to discontinue your treatments, the number of treatments a client has had will be charged at the regular per-session treatment price. The balance (if any) will be noted on the clients chart as medispa credit and can be used towards any of the services offered at the medispa.