Client Instructions:

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Avoid the sun, tanning, and tanning creams 7-14 days before and after your treatments.
2. You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
3. Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
4. Shave the desired treatment area the night before laser treatment.
5. The laser seeks melanin and it will also be attracted to dark colors. Therefore, if you are treating your bikini area, we ask that you please wear white or light colored undergarments.
6. Tanned skin can be treated with the GentleYAG laser but avoiding direct exposure to the sun or tanning beds in the treatment area is always recommended for at least one week before and after treatments.
7. Do not wear make-up or deodorant over the area you want treated when coming for treatment.
8. You should plan on wearing clothing that will allow easy access to the area being treated. Do not wear any jewelry including wrist watch during the procedures.

INTRA TREATMENT CARE:

1. The skin is cleaned and shaved or left with one day of new growth. The user of the topical anesthetic Lidocaine is optional for discomfort.
2. Epidermal melanocytes compete as the chromophore (target) for the 755 or 1064nm wavelength with melanin at the target site. The DCD, or cooling device, will be used with the laser to minimize epidermal damage
3. Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Protective eye wear will be worn by the client and all personnel during the procedure.

POST LASER TREATMENTS:

1. Immediately after treatment, there should be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site which may last up to 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last up to 2 -3 days. The treated area can feel like sunburn for a few hours after. The application of ice during the first few hours after treatment will reduce the discomfort and swelling that may be experienced but we recommend only aloe vera gel after treatment. Rarely, minor epidermal blistering may occur in which case triple antibiotic cream may be applied. If this should happen, please contact our office immediately for further instructions.
2. Makeup may be used immediately after treatment unless there is epidermal blistering. It is recommended to use ONLY NEW makeup to reduce the possibilities of infection.
3. Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation for 5 – 7 days post treatment. Use sunscreen (SPF 25 or greater) at all time throughout the course of treatment.
4. Avoid picking or scratching of the treated skin - wash gently using a mild soap.
5. Do not use any other hair removal products or similar treatments (waxing, electrolysis, tweezing, or bleaching) that will disturb the hair follicle on the treatment area for 4 – 6 weeks after the treatment is performed. Shaving may be performed after 7 days.
6. Call our office with any questions or concerns you may have after the treatment. Return to our office or call for appointment at the first sign of hair growth. This can mean within 4 – 6 weeks for the upper body treated and possibly as along as 4 -12 weeks for the lower body. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. New hair growth will not occur for at least three weeks after the body treatment.
7. Anywhere from 5 – 21 days after the treatment, shedding of the surface hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or loofa sponge.
8. After the axillae (underarms) are treated, use a powder instead of deodorant for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation.
9. Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
10. Avoid any strenuous workout, hot tubs and spas for 24 hours after treatment. Treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours.