Before & After
Laser Care
Your Results Start
Before You Arrive
How you prepare before a session — and how you care for your skin after — directly affects your comfort, safety, and how quickly you see permanent results.
Follow these guidelines before every appointment and you'll experience less discomfort, fewer side effects, and faster hair reduction.
6–8 Sessions
recommended for full reduction
FDA-Cleared
Cynosure Elite iQ™ laser
15–90 Min
per session depending on area
Minimal Downtime
back to daily life same day
Pre-Care
Instructions
Arriving prepared ensures the laser can target your hair follicles safely and effectively. These steps apply to every session.
Shave 24 hours before
Shave the treatment area the day before your appointment. The hair should be at skin level — not grown out.
No waxing or plucking (6 weeks)
Avoid waxing, tweezing, or threading for at least 6 weeks prior. The laser needs the hair root in the follicle to work.
Avoid sun & self-tanner (2 weeks)
Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of side effects. Stay out of the sun and skip self-tanners for 2 weeks before.
Come with clean skin
Do not apply lotions, deodorant, perfume, or makeup to the treatment area on the day of your session.
Pause active skincare (1 week)
Stop using retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and other exfoliating acids on the treatment area for 1 week before your session.
Tell us about medications
Some antibiotics and medications increase light sensitivity. Let your specialist know at your consultation.
Post-Care
Instructions
The 24–48 hours after treatment are the most important. Protect your skin and it will heal quickly and comfortably.
No heat for 24–48 hours
Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for at least 24–48 hours after treatment.
Skip workouts for 24 hours
Sweat and friction can irritate freshly treated skin. Rest for a day before returning to exercise.
Protect from sun exposure
Apply SPF 30+ to any treated areas exposed to sunlight. Avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
Soothe redness if needed
Mild redness is normal. Apply pure aloe vera gel or a cool compress if you experience irritation.
Shaving only between sessions
You may shave between appointments — shaving is fine and encouraged. No waxing, plucking, or threading.
Hair shedding is normal
Treated hair will shed over the next 1–3 weeks. Do not pick at it — it will fall out naturally on its own.
Care at a Glance
Save or screenshot this guide to refer back to before and after each session.
Visit Our FAQ Page
Find answers about how many sessions you need, whether it hurts, who can be treated, and more.