LAser Hair Removal In Cedar Rapids

During your consultation, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for your laser hair removal. Some general guidelines are to shave 24 hours before the treatment, avoid getting sunburned or tanned, and don’t wax or tweeze the treatment area.

Generally, laser hair removal isn’t considered painful, although there is some discomfort associated with the treatments. Most patients compare the sensation to a rubber band snapping against the skin and say it’s much less painful than other permanent hair removal methods or waxing.

Pre-Treatment Hair Removal Instructions

Don’t Pluck Prior- Patients must abstain from tweezing, waxing, or any other unwanted hair treatment that removes hair from its root. There must be hair in the hair follicle for laser hair removal to work. The laser is attracted to the melanin, or pigment, of the hair. The hair must be in its anagen, or active, growth phase.

Don’t Tan – You should also avoid sun exposure in the 4-6 weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment. Tanned skin has extra melanin, which attracts laser energy and can cause burns.

Don’t Moisturize- Before your laser hair removal treatment, avoid applying any lotion, sunscreen, perfume, or other similar cosmetics to the surface of your skin.

Shave- Shave 1-3 days before your session. The idea is to have a nice, close shave, so that there is no hair outside the skin. It is best to have just enough hair to be visible so your laser technician knows what is to be treated. There may be some slight charring of the small amount of stubble that gets hit by the laser. So, if you notice an odor of singed hair, that’s normal.

These medications including but not limited to should be stopped for at least 1 week prior to laser or light therapy.

• Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
• Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
• Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin)
• Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen)
• Oral contraceptives and estrogens
• Phenothiazines (tranquilizers, anti-emetics: examples, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochloroperazine)
• Psoralens (methoxsalen, trioxsalen)
• Retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin)
• Sulfonamides (acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfasalazine, sulfasoxazole)
• Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes (glipizide, glyburide)
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in cosmetics

Post- Treatment Hair Removal Instructions

Patient response can vary after a hair reduction treatment. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) around the hair follicles in the treated area are usually noted within a few minutes after the completion of the procedure and typically resolve completely within 24-48 hours. A sun burn sensation in the area treated is also normal and expected.

The treated area must be treated with care. BE GENTLE! Do not scratch or pick at your skin.

• Avoid the following until sensitivity has subsided:
• Use of scented lotions or soaps, deodorants, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges and aggressive scrubbing.
• Hot or cold water- wash with tepid water
• Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine
• Activities that cause excessive perspiration
• Avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzi tubs, saunas, hot yoga, and/or vigorous exercise.

• A cold compress can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.

• Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. In the unusual case of crusting of the skin or a blister in the treated area, apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas as this may result in infection or scarring. Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight.

• If an antiviral medication, such as Valtrex, has been prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.

• Do not use the following hair removal methods or products on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments: tweezing, waxing, and depilatories, as it will prevent you from achieving your best results; you may shave.

• Strictly avoid any sun exposure, including tanning beds, to the treated area for a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a sunscreen with a protection factor of 30+. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post treatment.

• Hair may take up to 4 weeks, or in some cases, as little as a few days, to fall out following treatment. Do not be alarmed if hairs appear to be “growing” during this time.

• Subsequent treatments are based upon your provider’s recommendation and are typically 6-12 weeks apart depending on the area being treated. The number of treatments necessary will depend on the body location, the amount of hair present , the character the hair, and your skin type.