Laser Hair Removal

• You must shave the area the day of or day before your appointment.

• You must stop all waxing, tweezing, and bleaching for 3-4 weeks prior to starting laser hair removal. 

• You must avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. If you are exposed to sun, you must wear SPF 45 (or higher). 

• You cannot have a spray tan done for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. If you do, you must wash as much off as possible so your skin is returned to its normal color. 

• You should be off of antibiotics for at least 5-7 days.

• You should be off Accutane for at least 6 months.

• You should not be taking or using any photosensitive medications (retinols, tetracyclines, etc)

• Avoid receiving any filler or botox in the area you are getting lasered for at least 2-3 weeks prior to treatments.

The Clarity 2 laser is made by Lutronic to deliver dual-wavelength energy. This laser includes long-pulsed 755nm Alexandrite wavelengths as well as 1064nm Nd: YAG laser energy. This combination may be especially advantageous for people with darker skin. Each wavelength can be adjusted to varying skin types and hair colors to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of skin damage and discoloration.

The Clarity laser hair removal system has two distinct wavelengths that make this device capable of treating a wide range of skin colors and tones. One wavelength is suitable for lighter skin and the other is great for darker skin. Experts agree that this laser is an excellent option even for darker skin types because the longer wavelength of laser light passes through the skin to target melanin in the hair shaft without affecting the epidermis.

An average laser hair removal session lasts approximately 15-30 minutes. The session may increase or decrease in time based on the size of the treatment area and the number of areas treated in one appointment.

Laser hair reduction and removal rely on photothermolysis, the scientific principle that involves the transference of particular wavelengths of laser light into heat energy. The Clarity laser delivers its Alexandrite and Nd: YAG wavelengths into hair follicles, where these light energies are absorbed by the melanin in strands of hair. Here, light transforms into heat. Thermal energy quickly builds up in hair follicles, causing controlled damage to the walls of the follicles, the dermal papillae, and the stem cells that are involved in hair growth in the targeted area. The incremental damage to treated hair follicles renders them inactive for many years, if not indefinitely.

Laser hair removal can increase the photosensitivity of the skin for a short time. Some people may also experience slight irritation or dryness. Skincare after Clarity laser hair removal sessions may include:

• Do not use Retinols for about a week after.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent excessive irritation or skin damage.

• Avoiding sun exposure for one week- two weeks after treatment.

• If the skin feels sunburned or irritated, take Tylenol as directed to manage these side effects.

• Comfort may be improved by applying cool compresses or aloe vera gel.

• Do not undergo other laser treatments or chemical peels on the treated area for at least 2 weeks after laser hair removal.

• Lotion and other moisturizers can be applied 24 hours after a laser hair removal treatment.

• After gently cleaning the skin, pat it dry rather than rubbing.

If pigmentation changes, blisters, or prolonged swelling or redness occur, contact our office.

Cynosure cannot make any specific recommendations, but our customers generally wait two-weeks after injection to perform any laser treatments. The study: Effects of common laser treatments on hyaluronic acid fillers in a porcine model, suggest that a laser does not affect some injectables: Aesthet Surg J. 2008 Sep-Oct; 25(5):50311.doi:10.1016/j. asj.2008.07.010.Farkas JP1, Richarson JA, Brown S, Hoopman JE, Kenkel JM. Please also refer to the cautionary section of your clinical reference guides.

Cynosure lists pregnancy as a contraindication to laser and light based treatments. There is no documented clinical evidence of fetal harm from a laser or light based system, but remember the results of the treatment may be erratic or unreliable due to fluctuations in hormonal levels and other physiological skin changes.

There have not been any studies conducted looking at the effect of laser or light based treatments on breastmilk. It is not clear if ink particles from tattoo removal are passed to the baby so tattoo laser treatments should be avoided for nursing mothers. It is also recommended to avoid other laser and light based treatments as well.

Ask your client to discuss this with their treating cardiologist and to bring a clearance note that states it’s safe to perform a laser treatment.

Drug induced photosensitivity is caused by the reaction of the chemical (mediation) to light. Most reactions occur when the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays (sunlight). Cynosure’s laser and light based devices do not emit these wavelengths. We recommend you proceed with caution and perform test spots prior to treatment to determine client suitability.

It is important for your medical director to assess the client’s skin and determine the timing based on the condition of the skin. Cynosure recommends treatment of healthy, non-irritated skin. If the topical has caused the client’s skin to be dry, red, flakey, or otherwise irritated, have her stop using the topical about 1-2 weeks before the treatment.

Treating within the vermillion border of the lip is risky. The skin of the lips is thin and more vascular and has a greater tendency to blister. If you decide to treat these types of lesions, remember to administer test spots and observe for immediate side effects.

Gold therapy is given either orally or by injection to treat arthritis. The laser energy causes a chemical reaction which results in a permanent bluish/gray skin discoloration called chrysiasis. A client with a past or present history of gold therapy is contraindicated.