Preparing for laser treatment
Here is some useful advice for patients coming for a test laser or a full laser treatment. Usually, specific advice will be given at your consulation, but this page forms a useful reference. If you are unsure what to do, you may email or call our team.
General Advice
Before any laser visit, there are steps you can take to maximise the benefit of the treatment and minimize the risk of any complications:
- Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
- Remove any make-up before your consulation
- you can do this immediately before the appointment - our nurses will be glad to help
- If you are coming for hair removal, shave any hair in the treatment area the day before you attend
Hair removal laser
Patients who are attending for their first consultation are not required to epilate or remove any hair if they wish to show the dermatologist the extent of their hair growth. Prior to any laser treatment for hair growth, the hair should not be waxed or plucked for several weeks. Shaving and clipping are the only permitted methods before a laser treatment.
Patients attending for laser hair treatment should:
- Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
- Avoid wearing make up or remove it before treatment
- Shave or clip any hair in the treatment area the day before you attend
Vascular laser (redness/veins)
Patients who are attending for vascular laser are requested to remove make up prior to the treatment. If required, we shall endeavour to provide a private space to do this. This will make it easier to assess the treatment area, as make up removal can itself lead to some temporary redness and flushing of the veins.
Patients attending for vascular laser treatment should:
- Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
- Avoid wearing make up or remove it before treatment
Resurfacing laser
Patients who attend for laser resurfacing will require specific pre-treatment instructions before the treatment. Advice will usually be given after the test treatment.
Most patients will not have any specific requirements before laser resurfacing. Patients undergoing a full face resurfacing may require:
- Antiviral tablets
- Antiseptic ointments
- Face washes
- Antiseptic moisturizers
- Pain control
- Depigmenting creams
If you have any history of cold sores, please notify the dermatologist or the nurse.