Before and Aftercare

We will email you more information before your appointment, as well as a link to medical clearance and consent forms that you will need to review and sign. At some SEV med spas, we’ll also call you for medical clearance prior to your first appointment.

Be honest with your provider and share your entire medical history - this is important as it’ll allow us to ensure your safety, comfort, and optimal results. We’ll also explain the prep and aftercare measures you need to take, so you can have the best experience possible!

Any tan can interfere with your laser hair removal treatment, impacting your results and potentially putting you at risk for more significant side effects.

Use sunscreen and practice sun safety measures diligently, especially in the month before your treatment. We won't treat you if you have any recent sun damage or signs of unprotected sun exposure.

Additionally, you can’t use self-tanners, go in a tanning booth, or get a spray tan. For the best results, it’s very important that your skin is at its natural, base tone.

For laser hair removal to be effective, it’s important to shave 24-48 hours before your appointment. This will allow the light to penetrate easily to the base of the hair.

You can use a manual razor or electric shaver. That said, avoid any hair removal methods that involve pulling the hair from the root, like waxing, bleaching, tweezing, epilating, threading, etc, for at least 4 weeks before your treatment. To keep your skin in good shape, we also recommend you avoid depilatory creams.

Some skincare products and treatments can sensitize the skin. They may heighten your risk of laser hair removal side effects if used in the treatment area. Before and after your appointment, take a break based on these guidelines:

For at least 4 weeks before your appointment, avoid any intense resurfacing professional treatments such as chemical peels, other laser treatments, and microneedling.

For at least 2 weeks before your appointment, avoid microdermabrasions and other types of facials, and take a break from prescription tretinoin (Retin-A).

For at least 1 week, stop using other topical products with a renewing effect or the potential to irritate the skin. That includes other retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid or BHAs, and more.

Lastly, for 1 week before your appointment, avoid milder skincare ingredients with the potential to irritate, such as niacinamide, vitamin C, poly-hydroxy acids, and more. Ask your provider if you’re not sure about certain products in your skincare routine.

If you’re taking any medications or supplements that compromise your immune system, have a blood-thinning effect, or cause skin sensitivity, you might not be a safe candidate for laser hair removal.

In particular, you cannot have laser treatments if you’ve taken oral isotretinoin (i.e., Accutane) in the last 6 months, antibiotics within the last 2 weeks, or iron supplements within the last 3 days before your appointment.

Always let your laser hair provider know about the medications you’re taking, and speak to your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed medications.

As the time of your appointment gets close, there are a few final prep steps you need to take.

First, 24-48 hours before your appointment, make sure to shave. This helps ensure that the laser reaches the base of the hair follicle, where it can inhibit new hair growth. Try to take good care of yourself the night before - drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and get a good night’s sleep.

On the day of your appointment, arrive with the treatment area clean. Don’t apply any makeup, lotions, deodorants, or ointments before getting laser hair removal. We also have a few tips and tricks that’ll help ensure your laser hair removal doesn’t hurt too much.

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are temporary redness, swelling, itching, hives, or tenderness. These side effects are usually mild and typically fade within a few days. Some of our clients do not experience them at all!

In some cases, those prone to acne or cold sores may experience a mild resurgence, and ingrown hairs may occur after the first few appointments.

Heat can cause your blood vessels to dilate, which may prolong side effects like inflammation. Try to avoid excessive heat, such as using the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, or taking a hot shower for 24-72 hours after your treatment. You should also avoid intensive or strenuous exercise.

Do not use deodorant, makeup, or other tinted or scented products for at least 24 hours after your treatment. For at least 10 days after the treatment, continue to avoid any skin-renewing or exfoliating skincare, as well. As your skin is a little sensitized at this time, these types of products may lead to irritation or clogged pores.

Soothe the skin with an ice pack, aloe vera, or fragrance-free lotion. If your skin is especially irritated, you can use a topical hydrocortisone.

Sun protection continues to be mandatory after your laser hair removal treatments. For the highest level of protection, keep the treatment area protected with clothing (ideally UPF-rated garments), or use sunscreen with a minimum of 50 SPF and re-apply as directed on the packaging.

After you laser treatment is the perfect time to wear your comfiest clothing, especially over the area you just had treatment. Your skin will be a little sensitive, so you’re aiming for garments that won’t chafe. That can mean soft cotton undies after Brazilian laser hair removal, loose skirts or lounge pants after leg treatments, and so on.

After your treatment, wait at least 10 days before you shave again. While shaving will be necessary again before your next appointments, you don’t want to shave again too soon or you risk irritating your skin.

One laser session isn’t enough — remember to schedule your next appointment! With consistent treatments every 4 to 6 weeks, expect to achieve unparalleled smoothness. The exact number of sessions can vary, but with enough treatments, you’ll be able to enjoy an effortless grooming routine and the ability to wear whatever you want, when you want to!

Ready to start your journey to smoothness?