Your consultation for laser hair removal at Avissa Skin in Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the most important steps in your journey. The pre-treatment consultation allows your practitioner to better get to know you and your skin type, and is an opportunity for you to better understand what your treatment will entail.

Here’s what will happen during your consultation:
You will be filling out standard forms that include your health history, medications you may be taking, a genetic disposition form that includes questions to determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type for proper laser setting. Your practitioner will review your medical history to make sure that there are no contra-indications that may apply. Any questionable medical conditions and medications will require a consult and clearance from your GP. Your practitioner will provide you with sufficient information about the procedure, the technology, risks, expectations, alternative procedures, cost of procedure, pre and post procedure instructions to help you determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment . Before-treatment-potos are obtained for clinical purposes and a spot test will be performed if a concern exists regarding the potential response to treatment.

Here’s what will happen during your first and subsequent treatment:
You will need to shave the area to be treated just before your appointment, so that the laser does not target any longer hairs that are sitting above the skin – which could increase the risk of causing burns. At your appointment, your practitioner will make you comfortable, review your treatment plan with you and ensure your skin is prepared for treatment. The length of your procedure depends on the area(s) being treated, typically less than 1 hour.

Immediately after treatment you may experience some mild redness and flushing in the treatment area. This will resolve within a few hours. Your treated skin may have a slight warmth to it, much like a mild sunburn. Hair will begin to fall out in a few days and will continue over several weeks. Laser hair removal does take several treatments spaced at equal intervals to achieve your best results. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatory creams between laser hair removal appointments. There is no downtime after treatment, and you will be able to return to normal activities immediately. You will also be provided with the proper post treatment care materials.

Contraindications include but are not limited to the following:

Compliance with the recommended pre / post-care instructions as well as recommended follow-up visits by your practitioner is crucial in minimizing the risk of side effects and complications. Your practitioner may recommend that you utilize a long-term skincare program to enhance healing following a laser treatment. It is your responsibility to inform your practitioner of your most recent sun exposure, new medications, or changes in medical history before each treatment is performed.

Before Your Treatment:

• • • • • Avoid sun exposure, tanning booths, tanning lotion, and spray tans for 10-14 days before treatment, longer if necessary to be completely tan-free. If you are going to be treating sun-exposed areas, apply sunblock SPF 30 or higher for 10-14 days before treatment.
        • Refrain from bleaching, plucking, threading, electrolysis, or waxing the desired treatment area for 4 weeks. You may shave the area.
        • The area to be treated must be clean-shaven. If you cannot shave, we will shave the area for an additional fee.
        • Arrive with the treatment area clean free of lotion, makeup, perfume, powder, bath/shower oil, and freshly shaven.
        • If you are prone to cold sores, it is highly recommended to take an antiviral medication prior to your treatment.
        • Clients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT be treated.
        • Avoid all alpha or beta hydroxyl products (AHA / BHA), hydroquinone, retinol / retinoids, Tazorac, and Differin for 1 week before treatment.
        • Avoid other aesthetic procedures (lasers, chemical peels, injectables) in the area(s) to be treated 2 weeks before and after your treatment.
        • Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. We recommend checking with your physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment.
        • Do not perform any physical activity that increases body temperature or blood pressure within 4 hours before and after treatments.

During Your Treatment

• • • • • During your treatment, you can expect slight discomfort, similar to a rubber-band snap on your skin. The laser’s built-in cryogen cooling system makes the treatments nearly painless. Ice packs may be used for additional comfort.
        • For an effective treatment, the power (joules) need to be just below the skin’s blistering point, which means the skin will be red.
        • Pain is an important determinant to prevent burns and other adverse events during the procedure. If your pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10, you must ask the staff to STOP the procedure. (Pain scale: 1 having no pain and 10 being the worst pain you have ever had).
        • For best results, allow your practitioner to customize your treatment schedule. It is imperative to stay on schedule to capture the hair growth cycle. Any missed or delayed treatments will affect the number of treatments needed and the overall results.

After Your Treatment

• • • • • You may experience slight redness, bumps, sunburned sensation, and/or swelling up to 72 hours. Cold compress, aloe, vitamin E, or Post Restorative Gel (highly recommended) may be applied until the sensation subsides. DO NOT use ice directly on the treated area.
        • Do not pick, scrub, excessively rub or scratch the area after your treatment.
        • Avoid sun exposure, tanning booths, tanning lotion, and spray tans for 10-14 days after treatment.
        • Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
        • Always use an SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for proper sun protection.
        • Tylenol is recommended for post-treatment discomfort.
        • If you experience an irritated raised rash after treatment, Benadryl should help relieve the itchiness.
        • Clean the treated area with mild soap and tepid water. Pat the skin gently with a clean towel to dry. Apply moisturizer as needed.
        • Avoid any strenuous workout, hot tubs, spas, or any other activity that adds heat to the body for 48 hours after treatment.
        • Allow a minimum of 7-14 days post-treatment for hair to “fall out” naturally. DO NOT PLUCK THE HAIR.
        • If your face was treated, you may resume using makeup when the skin looks and feels back to normal.
        • Avoid any additional laser treatments or chemical procedures on the treated area for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
        • You may gently exfoliate the treated area(s) 48 hours after your treatment and then daily thereafter.

If you experience any side effects, such as prolonged discomfort or swelling, a histamine reaction, or infection, immediately contact your practitioner for proper assessment and care instructions.