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What You Should Know About Your Laser Treatment for Hair Removal

Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds at least 5 days prior to treatment. If the treatment site is exposed, wear a sunscreen with SPF of 15-30.
  • Avoid waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment. The use of depilatory creams is permissible for up to 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Each pulse of the laser feels like a snapping sensation. Discomfort is minimal to moderate. Certain treatment sites are more sensitive than others. For these sites, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied one to two hours before your treatment. This should be applied at home before your treatment.
  • Laser treatment to the lips, cheeks or chin can lead to development of a cold sore or fever blister (Herpes Simplex Virus). Due to this risk, your doctor may instruct you to take a course of anti-viral pills.
  • If you have taken Accutane (a medication that treats cystic acne) within the past year, please notify your doctor before your treatment date.

After Treatment

Immediately after treatment, the area may feel like a mild sunburn. This usually subsides within several hours. The area may be slightly swollen, red and itchy. A thin crust or small blisters may occur at the treatment site. This may persist for a few days. If bruising occurs, it will fade over several weeks time. Areas most likely to swell are under the neck and under the eyes. Areas most likely to blister are those that bend such as the elbows and knees.

  • Gently wash the treatment site twice daily with a mild soap and water.
  • Apply an antibiotic such as Polysporin twice daily to any crusted areas.
  • Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreens daily for several weeks after your final treatment. This serves to prevent darkening of the treated area.
  • Swelling and discomfort can be eased by applying a cool compress to the treated area for up to five minutes at a time.
  • Sarna lotion may be applied to relieve itching. This is available over-the-counter.

For several days after your treatment, you may notice what appears to be re-growth of hair. Actually, this is hair being released from the follicle. It will come off easily if you rub it with a towel.

Re-treatment

The laser works by destroying hair follicles in their active growing phase. Your hairs are in many different phases of growth at any given time. For this reason, you may need subsequent treatments to destroy hair follicles re-entering the active growth phase after your first treatment. At the first sign of hair growth (usually 6-8 weeks after your treatment), you should schedule a second treatment. This is when hairs are closest to the surface and most vulnerable to the laser light. Typically, complete hair removal can be achieved in a few sessions within a year’s time. Some patients receive long periods of hair removal after only one session.

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Our Patient Reviews

Jennifer M.

First time ever at a dermatology office! So I was a little nervous... But they have a very friendly staff and it was nice meeting PA Joel! Felt comfortable and he was informative & made me feel like I wasn’t the only person dealing with my issue. I can’t wait to see some results and get some relief!!

Eve L.

Love this place! Everyone is so caring, and very helpful in each way possible. Highly recommend this place for skin care and even skin cancer!

Detlef K.

I’ve been going here awhile. I’ve got a few pesky issues, some due to my not allowing areas to completely heal, sins that prolongs my already glacier like speed healing! I really appreciate Dr. Kayal and Joel who combine to take of me and my family.

Michael V.

Was greeted upon my arrival, very nice waiting room, was taken back immediately. Very professional, caring and friendly staff. They want to help you. The PA Joel was very knowledgeable and knew exactly how to help me. I was given a prescription to address the problem. Will be back with other issues, keep up the good work.

Lisa W.

PA Brown is very attentive to my son's needs. I have not had any difficulty getting appointments when needed. I think this practice provides excellent service. I definitely recommend Kayal Dermatology for all of your skin needs.

Kevin S.

The nurse was great made me completely comfortable before biopsy’s and Dr Kayak was great explaining what’s going on, recommend very highly

Kayal Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists

141 Lacy Street, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30060

Phone: (770) 426-7177

Fax: (770) 426-7745

E-mail:

Mon-Fri: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm