Laser hair removal is a popular treatment that targets hair follicles with laser energy, reducing growth and leaving you with silky-soft skin. To ensure you get the best possible outcome from your treatment at Creative Touch, we’ve put together this guide filled with pre and post-care advice. With these simple tips, you can prepare your skin for treatment, maximise results, and experience a safe, smooth, comfortable recovery.
Pre-treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and solariums for at least 30 days before laser treatments.
- Cosmetic tanning agents (self-tan) should be avoided 30 days before treatment.
- Do not bleach, pluck, wax or undergo electrolysis treatment for 30 days before, and for the entire duration of the treatment. Do not pull hair out with tweezers for 30 days before, and throughout the treatment.
- Visible surface hairs may be cut/shaved before laser treatment – we do not require any stubble when treating the area.
- A test patch of the treatment site may be required before treatment.
- Do not use any glycolic or chemical peels on the treatment area for 30 days before the initial treatment.
During Treatment
Ensure the area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed to remove all traces of makeup.
Safety is important during treatment. Protective eyewear must be worn whenever in the treatment room.
Gel is applied to soothe and moisturise the skin. The laser handpiece lightly touches the area and a spray of chilled air is pulsed onto the skin just before each laser pulse.
Most clients experience little discomfort at the treatment site due to the effect of dynamic cooling before every laser shot.
The laser light passes safely through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed and transformed into heat, destroying and disabling the hair follicle.
Immediately following the treatment, there will be a little redness (erythema) and possible swelling (oedema) evident. This is a temporary and superficial effect and a good sign, normally lasting 15 minutes to a few hours after treatment.
Aftercare
- Makeup can be applied to the area immediately after the treatment, but we would advise against applying if possible for 48 hours.
- Avoid any perfumed products for up to 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid hot baths/showers; do not take excessive exercise for 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid any sun exposure or sun beds for 4 weeks after treatment to reduce the possibility of burning or pigmentation changes (it is advisable to wear SPF30 on any exposed areas Spring to Autumn).
- You must keep the treated area moisturised – we recommend 100% Aloe Vera Gel which can be purchased at the Clinic or from a pharmacy. Do not pick or scratch the area.
- You may notice what appears to be hair growing a few days after treatment and the hair appears to be tougher. This is treated, dead carbonised hair which is naturally being expelled from under the skin, this process normally takes only a few days for facial areas and up to 2 weeks on legs, bikini, underarm or back areas.
- Small bumps may appear on the skin surface (similar to nettle rash) this is normal and will disappear, it can be made more comfortable by applying Aloe Vera to the area.
- Hair growth occurs at different rates, depending on the anatomical location. The next cycle of new growth should not be visible for 4 to 12 weeks following treatment.
- Cutting and shaving is allowed between treatments. Follow the pre-treatment rules before your next appointment.
- If you should have any side effects or concerns, please call us immediately. It is important to keep your next appointments so the area can be reviewed.
Keep Us Informed
You MUST inform us of:
- Any adverse reactions or side effects from previous treatments.
- Any change to your medical history.
- Any change in medications (including herbal or over-the-counter medications).