The following are my recommendations for preparing for laser hair removal: 1. Prior to laser treatment, it is important to shave the area. Otherwise hair gets pressed to the surface of your skin. When the hair shaft is destroyed by the laser it can injure the surrounding skin. Shave a day prior to your appointment, so if you nick yourself, the area will not be bleeding during your procedure. Any method of hair removal such as waxing or tweezing will remove the deeper portions of the hair follicle which contain the "target pigmentation" and will render laser hair removal ineffective for at least two weeks. Either shaving or depilatory creams can be used up to the day of the laser treatment as they do not remove the entire hair shaft. 2. Make sure the area has had no sun exposure for one month prior and one month after the laser procedure. 3. The use of any photosensitizing medications or over-the-counter supplements known to cause photosensitivity should delay laser hair removal treatment until these medications can be safely discontinued. 4. Topical retinoids used in the treatment area should be discontinued 1 to 2 days prior to treatment. 5. If a tan is present the treatment should be delayed until the tan has faded. 6. Make sure there is no inflammation in the skin of the area to be treated prior to the procedure.
