Before the treatment of laser hair removal
● Avoid sun exposure or use of tanning beds: Avoid the sun or use of tanning beds for at least two weeks before and after treatment to reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other skin damage. You can also use SPF 30 daily to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Tanning introduces an increased risk for pigmentation changes.
● Shave: Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving removes hair above the surface that can absorb laser light and reduce the amount of energy that reaches the hair roots. Shave as closely as possible to your skin to allow maximum energy to penetrate.
● Avoid products: Avoid applying any products to the treatment area, including makeup, creams, deodorant, and irritating or drying products for 24 hours. Deodorant residue can deflect the laser, and some products can make your skin more susceptible to damage.
● Avoid Accutane for 6 months prior.
● Avoid waxing and plucking: Don’t wax, tweeze, or use depilatories in the area being treated for at least 2 weeks prior to your first appointment and in between appointments (shaving is OK).
● Avoid bleaching: Stop bleaching your hair at least six weeks before treatment, as it can make the laser less effective.
● Stop the use of any retinol products, vitamin C products, glycolic acids, skin rejuvenating products, and any other potential irritants to the treated area three days prior to your treatment.
Before the treatment of laser hair removal
● Avoid sun exposure or use of tanning beds: Avoid the sun or use of tanning beds for at least two weeks before and after treatment to reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other skin damage. You can also use SPF 30 daily to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Tanning introduces an increased risk for pigmentation changes.
● Shave: Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving removes hair above the surface that can absorb laser light and reduce the amount of energy that reaches the hair roots. Shave as closely as possible to your skin to allow maximum energy to penetrate.
● Avoid products: Avoid applying any products to the treatment area, including makeup, creams, deodorant, and irritating or drying products for 24 hours. Deodorant residue can deflect the laser, and some products can make your skin more susceptible to damage.
● Avoid Accutane for 6 months prior.
● Avoid waxing and plucking: Don’t wax, tweeze, or use depilatories in the area being treated for at least 2 weeks prior to your first appointment and in between appointments (shaving is OK).
● Avoid bleaching: Stop bleaching your hair at least six weeks before treatment, as it can make the laser less effective.
● Stop the use of any retinol products, vitamin C products, glycolic acids, skin rejuvenating products, and any other potential irritants to the treated area three days prior to your treatment.
After the treatment of laser hair removal
● Avoid self-tanning: Don’t use self-tanning products for two weeks before or after treatment.
● Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment to reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other skin damage. You can also use SPF 30 daily to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
● Resume the use of any retinol product to the treated area three days after your treatment so long as there is no remaining redness
● Redness or a sunburn sensation may occur after treatment. Typically, this only lasts a few hours.
● Be sure to schedule your next treatment in 4-8 weeks
● Do not shave the treated area until the skin is completely healed.
After the treatment of laser hair removal
● Avoid self-tanning: Don’t use self-tanning products for two weeks before or after treatment.
● Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment to reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other skin damage. You can also use SPF 30 daily to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
● Resume the use of any retinol product to the treated area three days after your treatment so long as there is no remaining redness
● Redness or a sunburn sensation may occur after treatment. Typically, this only lasts a few hours.
● Be sure to schedule your next treatment in 4-8 weeks
● Do not shave the treated area until the skin is completely healed.
Important Notice: The information on this page is intended for established patients of Cunningham Clinic and does not create a provider-patient relationship. These are general instructions only — your provider's individualized directions always take precedence, so please follow any guidance given to you directly at your appointment. For the most current and personalized version of your aftercare instructions, log in to your patient portal or refer to the written instructions provided at the point of care. Individual results vary, and nothing here constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If your instructions involve a prescribed medication, do not stop or alter your medication regimen without explicit approval from your prescribing provider.
Please get in touch with us at 720-650-4660 if any
complications
occur
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Do not wait for a return call from the clinic. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any of the following:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Chest pain or pressure
-Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat
-Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
-Loss of consciousness or fainting
-Any symptom that feels severe, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening
-If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, treat it as one.
When to Contact the Clinic
For symptoms, side effects, or complications that are concerning but not life-threatening, please contact Cunningham Clinic at 720-650-4660 for guidance. Reach out promptly if you notice any new, unexpected, or worsening symptoms after your treatment, procedure, or medication. If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, err on the side of caution and call us.
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Do not wait for a return call from the clinic. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any of the following:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Chest pain or pressure
-Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat
-Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
-Loss of consciousness or fainting
-Any symptom that feels severe, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening
-If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, treat it as one.
When to Contact the Clinic
For symptoms, side effects, or complications that are concerning but not life-threatening, please contact Cunningham Clinic at 720-650-4660 for guidance. Reach out promptly if you notice any new, unexpected, or worsening symptoms after your treatment, procedure, or medication. If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, err on the side of caution and call us. Our regular hours are Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–2:00 PM. If the clinic is closed and your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, please visit an urgent care center or contact a nurse advice line for prompt guidance. If at any point your symptoms become severe or feel life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately — do not wait until the clinic reopens.