• MOISTURIZE:

After hair treatment, moisturize the treated area at least three times daily for three to four days. This will reduce irritation and minimize the chances of folliculitis.

• BE GENTLE:

Avoid bathing in hot water (bath or hot tub) or swimming (pools and ocean) for at least three days. Take only short, cool or lukewarm showers and DO NOT scrub the area. After showering, gently pat the area dry and avoid rubbing with your towel.

• NO SUN:

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds! Wear a sun block with an SPF 45 or higher every time you are outside.

• NO IRRITANTS:

Avoid irritants such as astringents, toners, Retin‐A (or other prescription retinoids or OTC retinols), harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, peels, and other exfoliates for at least one week after your treatment. DO NOT scrub/rub the area.

• NO PLUCKING:

After hair reduction treatments, do not pluck or pick at hairs that are in the process of falling out. Let the hairs fall out naturally (this will happen over the next five to 15 days).

Other Notes:

FOR DISCOMFORT:

If you experience redness, swelling, or minor burns/crusting, apply cool ice packs to the treated area, on and off, every three to five minutes for one to two hours (do not apply ice pack for more than five minutes at a time). You can also apply the Post Laser Cream, Vaseline, or Aquaphor to the affected area up to three times a day until it resolves.

• FOR ITCHING and/or SWELLING:

If you experience itchiness and/or swelling you may take liquid Benadryl, Allegra or Claritin (available over‐the‐counter) as needed for up to three days. Liquid Benadryl, Allegra or Claritin can also be taken before your next appointment. Also apply the Elta MD Post Laser Cream twice daily for three days. You may also apply Vaseline or Aquaphor.

• FOR MICROCRUSTING:

Do NOT rub or scrub the area. Simply apply Vaseline or Aquaphor and contact us for more info.

• TIMING:

For hair removal only: Hair grows in three stages (anagen, catagen and telogen) and is most susceptible to hair reduction in the anagen phase. Weʼll let you know when you should return for your next treatment based on the area you are having treated.

• GOALS:

Remember that your goal is improvement, not perfection. Fine hairs, blonde hairs, “peach fuzz”, red hair, white hair and grey hair will likely never go away completely with hair reduction treatments and not all signs of photo‐aging will completely disappear with treatment. Additionally, hair may return in the future and you may need “touch up” or “maintenance” treatments.

• FACIAL and NECK HAIR:

Facial hair and neck hair results can be challenging ‐ If you have hair that is not responding to treatments, we may recommend that you see your primary care physician to have your hormone levels checked. Some hair will never go away completely but can be reduced and maintained with an occasional treatment. Before Your Next Treatment (precare instructions):