Avoid Sun Exposure

• Avoid sun exposure and sunless tanning for 2 to 3 weeks prior to your treatment. The skin should not be tanned or sunburned, as this can increase the risk of side effects, like burns or hyperpigmentation.
• Use SPF 30 or higher if sun exposure is unavoidable, but the ideal is to avoid tanning completely.

Shave the Treatment Area

• Shave the area 24 to 48 hours before your appointment for laser hair removal in Rockville to ensure effective treatment. The laser targets the hair follicle under the skin, and shaving ensures the hair is not above the surface, which could increase discomfort during the treatment.
• Do not wax or pluck the area before treatment. The laser needs the hair to be intact at the follicle level to be effective. Waxing and plucking removes the hair follicle, making it harder for the treatment to work.

Avoid Skin Treatments

• Schedule chemical peels and other abrasive skin treatments at least 2 to 4 weeks before or after your Diolaze session, as your skin needs to be in good condition for the laser to work effectively and safely.

No Self-Tanners

• Do not use self-tanning products for at least 1 to 2 weeks before treatment, as the tan can interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicle accurately.

Avoid Certain Medications

• Consult with Dr. Faulkner about pausing your use of antibiotics, Accutane, or retinoids. Avoid blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) a few days before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.

Clean and Dry Skin

• Make sure the area to be treated is clean and free of lotions, oils, deodorants, or makeup. This ensures the laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicle and not by any products on the skin.

Avoid Heat and Sweat

• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise immediately before the treatment. These can increase skin sensitivity and make the treatment more uncomfortable.

Disclose Medical Conditions

• Please inform us of any active acne, psoriasis, or eczema in the treatment area. Certain conditions may require modified treatment.

Avoid Sun Exposure

• Avoid UV exposure for at least 2 weeks after treatment. If you must be outdoors, apply a high SPF (30 or higher) sunscreen to protect the skin from hyperpigmentation or burns.
• Avoid tanning beds for the same period, as sun exposure can lead to complications or slower recovery.

No Heat or Sweating

• For 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise (such as heavy cardio or weightlifting) that causes sweating. The heat can irritate the skin and potentially cause more redness or discomfort.

Avoid Scratching or Rubbing

• The treated area may feel sensitive or slightly irritated, but it’s important to avoid rubbing or scratching. This can prevent irritation, skin damage, or even scarring.

Stay Moisturized

• Apply a soothing moisturizer to the treated area to help with any dryness or redness after laser hair removal in Rockville. Aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free lotion can be beneficial to calm the skin. Avoid products with strong fragrances or active ingredients like retinol that could further irritate the skin.

Avoid Harsh Products

• For at least 1 to 2 weeks after your session, refrain from using exfoliating products (such as scrubs, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid) on the treated area or scheduling abrasive treatments like chemical peels. These can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.

Do Not Wax or Pluck

• Refrain from waxing, tweezing, or threading the treated area after your session. These methods remove the hair follicle, which defeats the purpose of the laser treatment. While you can shave as needed, avoid any other hair removal methods until your next treatment.

Monitor for Side Effects

• It is normal to experience some redness, swelling, or mild irritation in the treated area for a few hours to a couple of days after the treatment. This should subside within a few hours or up to 2 days. If the discomfort persists or you notice excessive swelling, please let Dr. Faulkner know.
• In rare cases, you may experience blistering, burns, or hyperpigmentation. If you notice any unusual or persistent side effects, contact Dr. Faulkner immediately.

Avoid Tight Clothing

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid friction or pressure on the treated area, which can irritate the skin.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated and support the natural healing process.

Do Not Pick at the Treated Area

• After treatment, you may notice hair starts to shed from the treated follicle over the next few weeks. This is normal and part of the process. Do not pick or force the hair out as it can cause irritation or scarring.

Follow-Up Treatments

• Multiple sessions (between 4 and 6) may be required for optimal results, as laser hair removal works best when hair is in the active growth phase. Typically, treatments are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.