Pre-Treatment Considerations The existence of the below conditions will prevent a patient from getting a laser hair removal treatment.

• Any hormonal, familial, drug-related, or tumor-related conditions.
• Facial herpes (a sore on the lip for example) for consideration of facial hair removal.
• Herpes of the genitalia for consideration of pubic hair removal.
• Keloids or history of scarring
• Accutane intake in the previous 6-12 months.

Pre-Procedure Care In order for a patient to be prepared for the treatment, the below instructions are to be followed/met:

• Sunscreen SPF35 or higher is recommended, and sun avoidance must be practiced if hair removal is planned in exposed sites.
• A bleaching cream such as hydroquinone may be prescribed to patients with darker skin types or a recent suntan.
• The patient should avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis. Research has shown greater hair loss at shaved versus epilated sites, suggesting that light absorption by the pigmented hair shaft itself plays an important role.
• Shaving is to be performed up to the day before laser treatment. The patient is instructed to shave the area to be treated; however, the area must not be irritated. If the patient is uncomfortable with the idea of shaving the area, a depilatory cream may be used instead.

Treatment Day On the day of the procedure, the following is to be done

• The area to be treated should be clean and free of makeup or powder.
• A thin layer of ultrasound gel can be applied to the treated area to lessen the level of discomfort.
• In very rare cases, a thick layer of a topical anesthetic cream can be applied under a plastic wrap for 30 minutes before the scheduled laser treatment.

Katy Issa

Senior Aesthetician - Aura Laser Skin Care