Pre and Post Care for Laser Hair Removal and Photofacials
Pre-Care:
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Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after your treatment. The use of tanning creams, tanning beds, or bronzers must be discontinued 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after treatments.
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RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED. This includes tan from tanning beds, creams, and bronzers. And yes, being in the pool counts as sun exposure!
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Avoid electrolysis, tweezing, threading, bleaching, depilatory products, and/or waxing for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
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PLEASE shave the treatment area(s) closely as the day before or day of your appointment.
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If you have a history of herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy must be started the day before treatment and continued one week after treatment.
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Treatments are not allowed until 14 days after final dose of any antibiotic or photosensitizing medications (Examples: antibiotics, steroids, St. Johns Wort).
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Accutane must be stopped 9 months before laser treatments.
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Over the counter Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolics, Salicylics should be avoided on the treatment area 3 days prior to treatment.
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Prescription strength Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolics, Salicylics should be avoided on the treatment area 2 weeks prior to treatment.
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If Botox is done in a treatment area, you must wait 2 weeks after for treatment. If Filler is done in a treatment area, you must wait 4 weeks after for treatment.
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Laser Hair Removal is not effective on grey, blond, and red hair.
******* All makeup must be removed before treatment. *******
Post-Care:
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Immediately after treatment there may be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site. This usually lasts 2 hours or longer. On rare occasions, the erythema may last up to 10 days. The treatment area may feel like a sunburn for a few hours after the treatment, but it will subside.
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Avoid picking or scratching the treated areas. If a blister or crusting appears, or you have a histamine reaction (itching) please call Ultimate Image. You may need antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone cream. This is a possibility with any laser treatment.
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Hydrocortisone and sunscreen may be used post-treatment.
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No heat exposure like saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, extremely hot showers, car seat warmers or strenuous activities for a minimum of 48-hours post-treatment.
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NO WORKING OUT FOR 24 HOURS AFTER TREATMENT!
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Avoid sun exposure. You are at risk for hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation if you do get sun exposure. Wear Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher.
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Avoid exfoliating scrubs or brushes for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
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Avoid electrolysis, tweezing, threading, bleaching, depilatory products, and/or waxing. This can disturb the hair follicle which will affect your treatment outcomes. Shaving is the only option between treatments.
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Up to 2-weeks post-treatment, you may notice hair falling out of the treated areas. This is not new growth; this is your laser treatment working! (Note: You can clean/remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth.)
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Treat your skin gently for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
~~ BONUS TIP ~~
Schedule your appointments based on the guidelines below and your hair growth. If you don't have any hair growth 5 days prior to your scheduled appointment, give us a call to reschedule!
~~ Face (any part), Underarm, Brazilian: 6 to 8 weeks ~~
~~ Arm, Legs, Back, Chest, Abs: 8 to 12 weeks ~~