Skin Care Instructions - PRE-TREATMENT

Preparation Guidelines For Laser Hair Removal:

1. The areas being treated cannot be exposed (unprotected) to the sun including tanning beds. Even slight exposure (less than 20 minutes) can increase chances of superficial blistering. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen ( tith block) of a SPF 30 or greater, whenever skin is exposed to the sun.
2. Avoid any other method of hair removal other than shaving and trimming with facial scissors (i.e. tweesing, waxing, sugaring, electrolysis, threading, bleaching) as tha laser needs a target in order to be effective. Depilatory creams may occasionally be advised depending on your skin and hair type.
   
3. You may use EMLA cram as a topical anesthetic to decrease the discomfort from the laser, especially in areas such as the upper lip, bikini line, and underarms or back of neck. Apply as follows: 1 to 1-1/2 hours before treatment apply a small amount and let it absorb, once absorbed apply a liberal amount and cover with saran wrap, Use tape to hold in place. Ensure that the area stays moist, as the effectiveness of the EMLA is lost as it dries. (The upper lip may only take 45 minutes to be effective).
4. Shave the area one day before or on the day of treatment. For larger areas and the genital area there is a shaving preparation fee of $ 50.00 if you wish to have the Laser Technologist shave the area for you on the day of your treatment.
5. For hair removal on the face, please remove. All makeup prior to the treatment.
6. Decrease or eliminate high caffeine intake (coffee, tea and coke) spicy foods, or excess beta-carotene ingestion (i.e. carrots, vitamin A supplements, squash).
7. Darker skin patients may need to use HYDROQUINONE (ULTRAQUIN) for 6 weeks prior to treatment, and should continue to use it for the duration of their treatments, to decrease the incidence of hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) from the laser.
   
   
   If you have any further question or concern, please do not hesitate to call 604-543-2121 toll free 1-877-543-2121.

Skin Care Instructions - AFTER CARE

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• If the treated area feels warm or "burns" use cool cloths or ice packs to gently sooth the area
• In some cases you will feel itching. This can be eased with cool packs or with an over the counter antihistamine such as BENADRYL. This rarely lasts longer than a few hours.
• Redness, mild swelling and blotches can last for 1 to3 days. This is normal and should not cause concern. This is more common in sensitive areas such as the groin, inner thighs and neck.
• Exercise, excess alcohol, hot tubs, etc. should be avoided for 24 hours post treatment.
• Visible stubble will develop over the next 1 to 3 weeks as the hair shafts are expelled.

SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS:

• If there are no open area or blistering you do not need to apply anything to the skin.
• For any small open areas, regions of redness, blistering or scabs, apply pure aloe vera, antibiotic ointment or Vaseline applied twice daily until the skin is healed. Discuss this with our STAFF if you develop these problems.
• You absolutely must avoid sun exposure to the treated area during the first few weeks after treatment. You should then use a good sunscreen (SPF 25 +) during the interval between treatments or for at least the first 2 months following treatment.
• Avoid applying any harsh cleaning agents, depilatories, anti-aging or wrinkle creams to the treated area for at least 1 week. Avoid any agents that have a scent or perfume added, as these can cause skin irritations.
• Deodorants and make-up can be applied to treated areas as soon as there are no open area, blistering, scabs, etc.
• Showering and washing of treated areas must be done gently for the first week after treatment. Do not rub, pluck or pick anything.
• If the stubble that develops after treatment is unacceptable to you and you cannot wait until the hairs fall out shave the area as required.
• If you were prescribed and antiviral medication prior to treatment, you must finish the prescription.
• If you have any concerns, please call our office at 604-543-2121 or toll free at 1-877-543-2121 and let us know.

REMINDERS:

• A re-growth or stubble will develop following treatment. This is not new hair growth, but represents the successfully treated hair being expelled from the follicle. After 1 to 3 weeks the follicle will fall out or will falls away easily with a gentle wash. Gently rubbing in the same direction as the hair shaft with a soft cloth or loofa sponge can facilitate hair removal.
• You will require another treatment when the next wave or phase of hair follicles becomes active. This usually occurs 4 to 6 weeks after a facial treatment and 8 to 12 weeks after a body treatment. As soon as this new hair becomes evident, return for your next treatment. It is at this stage that the hair is most vulnerable to the laser energy.
• The effects of further treatments are cumulative.
• The number of treatments and optimal re-treatment period varies with each site, hair color and patient.
• Laser energy disables follicles only if they are actively growing. Other "dormant" follicles will then become active and grow at a later date, along with some of the partially disabled follicles. A small number of follicles will never be completely influenced by the laser energy, but their hair will become finer and lighter in color.
• A small group of patients will be non-responders and will experience significant re-growth even after adequate treatments have been completed.