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ser Hair Removal has established itself as the most effective method of hair removal. For most patients, 4-6 treatments will result in an 80-90% reduction in hair. This does not mean that the treated area will be 100% hair free. Ideal candidates are those with pale skin and dark hair. Dark skinned individuals can be treated but require more treatment sessions and are at greater risk for side effects.

Pre-treatment Instructions

1. Avoid the sun for 6 weeks before treatment. TAN SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED. If you tan before treatment, side effects such as hypopigmentation (white spots), hyperpigmentation (dark spots), blistering, infection and scarring may result.
2. Avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment.
3. If you have a history of herpes (fever blisters) in the areas to be treated, let the staff know so that a prophylactic antiviral medication can be started one day before treatment.
4. If you have a darker skin type, a topical bleaching cream should be applied for 4-6 weeks before treatment.
5. Stop all self-tanning products one week before treatment.
6. A topical anesthetic may be used to reduce the discomfort of treatment. This can be applied at home before the treatment session or at the time of treatment.
7. Do not shave the treatment area for at least several days before treatment.

Postoperative Care

1. Immediately after treatment, there should be redness and swelling. The redness may last 2-3 days, the swelling 2 or more hours. The application of cool packs during the first few hours after treatment will reduce the discomfort and swelling.
2. Avoid sun exposure and use a sunscreen at all times during the course of treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation.
3. Do not use waxing, electrolysis or tweezing for 6 weeks after treatment. Shaving and depilatories may be used.
4. Between 5 to 14 days after treatment, shedding of hair will occur and may have the appearance of new hair growth. It can be wiped away with a wet cloth.
5. Make an appointment for your next treatment at the first sign of hair regrowth. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. It may take 4-6 six weeks for the upper body and possibly as long as 2-3 months for the lower body. New hair growth will not occur for at least 3 weeks after treatment.

Side Effects

1. Pain - This varies with the area treated, the number of hairs present and the darkness of the skin.
2. Redness and swelling - This is to be expected and is evidence that the laser is being used with enough energy to remove hair follicles.
3. Bruising
4. Hypopigmentation (white spots)
5. Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
6. Blistering - Apply Polysporin ointment to blisters.
7. Scarring
8. Infection