Laser Hair Removal (Aftercare) - Dr. Gregory Martin DDS

Laser Hair Removal

Pre & Post Care

Congratulations on taking the first step towards achieving smooth skin with laser hair removal from Dr. Gregory Martin. Proper pre and post care are key to minimizing discomfort, preventing complications, and maximizing the effectiveness of your treatment. Let's dive into some helpful tips and tricks that will leave you feeling confident, radiant, and ready to show off your beautiful new look!

Pre-treatment Care

The area to be treated must be cleaned and SHAVED 24 hours or less, prior to treatment.
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment until your healthcare provider allows. Pigmented cells in your skin compete with melanin in your hair.
Certain topical medications or skin care products may need to be stopped 3-5 days prior to treatment. Examples include Retin-A, Vitamin C, and Glycolic topicals.
You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. The melanin-containing hair must be present in the follicle as it is the “target” for the laser light.
If you have had a history of perioral or genital herpes simplex virus, your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy. Follow the directions for your particular antiviral medication.
If you have a tan or have a darker skin type, a bleaching regimen may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment.
RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED! If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tanning, you may develop hypopigmentation (white spots) after treatment and this may not clear for 2-3 months or more.
The use of self- tanning skin products must be discontinued one week prior to treatment. Any residual self-tanner should be removed prior to treatment.

Post-treatment Care

Immediately after treatment, there should be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of each hair follicle in the treatment site, which may last up to 2 hours, or longer. The erythema may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area may feel like a sunburn for a few hours after treatment.
A topical soothing skin care product, such as Dr. Gregg Skin Soothe, or aloe vera gel may be applied following treatment if desired.
Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation).
Use a sunblock (SPF 25+) at all times throughout the course of treatment, such as Dr. Gregg Skin Protect.
Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or similar treatments (waxing, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle in the treatment area for 4-6 weeks after the laser treatment is performed. Shaving may be used.
Anywhere from 5-14 days after the treatment, shedding of the treated hair may occur.
After the axillae (underarms) are treated, you may wish to use a powder instead of a deodorant for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation.
There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had a sunburn, for the first 24 hours.
Return to the office or call for an appointment at the first sign of the return of hair growth. This may be within 4-6 weeks for the upper body and possibly as long as 2-3 months for the lower body. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. New hair growth might not occur for AT LEAST three weeks after treatment.
Call Dr. Gregory Martin’s office at (301) 652-1039 with any questions or concerns you may have.