Pre & Post Treatment Care

Proper preparation helps ensure safe treatment and optimal results.

4 Weeks Before Treatment

• • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners
  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily on the treatment area

Do not wax, thread, tweeze, or use depilatory creams- This removes the follicle which needs to be in place for treatment.

(Shaving is allowed and should be done night before or the morning of treatment)

1–2 Weeks Before Treatment

• Discontinue retinoids, retinol, tretinoin, adapalene

• Stop using exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic) and harsh scrubs
• Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, IPL, or laser treatments in the area
• Notify your provider of any new medications, especially photosensitizing drugs

24–48 Hours Before Treatment

• Shave the treatment area (unless otherwise directed)

• Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise

• Do not apply lotions, oils, deodorant, or makeup to the area

Day of Treatment

• Skin must be clean, dry, untanned, and free of irritation

• No makeup, sunscreen, deodorant, or topical products on the treatment area
• Inform your provider of:
• Recent sun exposure
• Pregnancy
• Skin infections, open wounds, or rashe
• Changes in medications or medical history

(Motus, Aliya, Candela & GentleMax)

Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle to reduce future growth. Proper post-care is important to protect your skin and achieve the best results.

What to Expect:

• Mild redness, warmth, or swelling around hair follicles is normal
• Sensation may feel like a sunburn
• Symptoms typically resolve within a few hours to 24–48 hours
• Treated hair may shed over the next 1–3 weeks — this is normal and expected

Post-Treatment Care:

• Keep the treated area clean and dry for the remainder of the day
• Apply a soothing product (aloe vera or provider-recommended calming cream) as needed
• Use cool compresses for discomfort or swelling
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to treated areas exposed to sun
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over treated areas

Avoid for 24–48 Hours

• Hot showers, baths, saunas, steam rooms
• Excessive heat or sweating
• Strenuous exercise
• Tight or abrasive clothing on treated areas

Avoid for 7–14 Days

• Sun exposure and tanning beds
• Self-tanners on treated areas
• Exfoliating products (scrubs, acids, retinoids)
• If having trouble with in-grown hair (which will improve as treatments progress) utilizing Dual Action Scrub in between sessions can help
• Waxing, threading, sugaring, or tweezing (shaving is allowed)

Shaving & Hair Regrowth

• You may shave as needed between treatments
• Do not wax, tweeze, or thread between sessions, as this removes the follicle needed for treatment
• Hair shedding may look like regrowth but is part of the normal process

Makeup & Skincare

• Makeup may be applied after 24 hours if there is no irritation
• Resume gentle skincare once skin has fully calmed
• Avoid harsh or active products until redness has resolved

Do Not:

• Pick, scratch, or irritate the treated area
• Tan before or after treatments
• Apply heat to treated skin
• Skip sunscreen — sun exposure increases risk of pigmentation changes
• Post Procedure
• Area may be mildy red with mild inflammation surrounding the hair follicle. This is normal and will be resolved within a couple hours. 
• Histamine reactions can occur, if so you may treat with zyrtec or other antihistamine.
• You may continue to shave as normal.

When to Contact MD Esthetics

Please contact our office if you experience:

• Blistering or crusting
• Prolonged swelling or redness beyond 48 hours
• Signs of infection
• Any reaction that feels unusual or concerning

Treatment Plan & Results

Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart for best results, as hair grows in cycles. Your provider will customize your treatment plan based on your skin type, hair type, and treatment area.