Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — Laser Hair removal Preparation, After-Care & Treatment Recommendations
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How to Prepare Before Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment

  
   • Arrive with clean skin A shower beforehand is recommended. Please avoid applying any products after bathing.
   • Shave the entire treatment area 24 hours before your appointment You may also shave the morning of if needed. Shave gently to avoid irritation. Do NOT wax, tweeze, thread, sugar, or use depilatory creams for at least 4 weeks prior, as these remove the hair root the laser needs to target.
   • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 2 weeks Untanned skin allows the GentleMax Pro Plus to work more safely and effectively, reducing the risk of irritation or pigmentation.
   • Do not apply any products on the treatment area the day of your appointment No lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, perfume, or creams. Please arrive with clean, dry skin.
   • Avoid active skincare for 3–5 days before treatment No retinol, AHA/BHA acids, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliants, or strong active ingredients on the treatment area.
   • If you are taking antibiotics or have recently started new medications, please let us know Some medications may increase skin sensitivity.
   • Wear loose, comfortable clothing This helps minimize friction and sensitivity after your session.
   • Hydrate well Well-hydrated skin responds better to laser energy and promotes smoother results.
 
 Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — After-Care Instructions 

 

Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — After-Care Instructions
What to Expect Immediately After Treatment
 
It is completely normal to experience:
   • Perifollicular edema (tiny red bumps around each follicle)
   • Mild swelling or a “goosebump” appearance
   • Pink or red skin, similar to a light sunburn
   • Warmth or tightness in the skin for a few hours
These are signs that the laser successfully targeted the follicles. These reactions typically resolve within a few hours but may last up to 48 hours depending on the area treated.
 
Cooling & Comfort
   • Apply a cool compress (not ice directly) for 10–15 minutes as needed.
   • Use pure aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
   • Avoid heavy, oily, or perfumed creams for 24–48 hours.
 
Heat Restrictions (First 24–48 Hours)
Please avoid:
   • Hot showers or baths
   • Saunas or steam rooms
   • Intense exercise or sweating
   • Hot tubs
   • Heating pads or hot yoga
Heat can irritate the skin and prolong redness.
 
Sun Exposure & UV Protection
UV protection is essential:
   • Avoid direct sun for 7–10 days before and after each session.
   • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily to exposed treated areas.
   • Avoid tanning beds.
   • Avoid self-tanner for at least 1 week.
Sun exposure increases risk of irritation and pigmentation.
Using SPF daily is one of the most effective habits for maintaining healthy, youthful skin at any age.
 
Hair Shedding Phase (1–3 Weeks After Treatment)
This is an expected part of the laser cycle:
   • Treated hairs will begin to extrude and shed.
   • Hairs may appear as if they are “growing,” but they are actually releasing.
   • You may gently exfoliate after 5–7 days to help loosen shedding hairs.
   • Do NOT wax, tweeze, sugar, epilate, or thread — only shave.
   • Let shedding happen naturally.
Shedding varies by area, hair thickness, and Fitzpatrick skin type.
 
Skin Care Products to Avoid (First 24–48 Hours)
Avoid applying:
   • Retinol or retinoids
   • Salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid
   • Benzoyl peroxide
   • AHA/BHA exfoliants
   • Perfumed lotions
   • Spray deodorant on underarms until redness resolves
Resume normal skincare once the skin returns to baseline.
 
Activity Restrictions
   • Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for 24–48 hours.
   • Avoid tight clothing that may cause friction over treated areas.
   • Do not scrub, exfoliate, or pick at the skin.

  Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — Treatment Plan

 

When to Return for Your Next Appointment
To stay aligned with the correct growth cycle and achieve optimal long-term reduction:
   • Face: return every 3–4 weeks
   • Underarms & Bikini: return every 4–6 weeks
   • Body (arms, legs, chest, back): return every 6–8 weeks
If you received a full-body laser session, please return in approximately 6–8 weeks for your next full-body treatment.
This allows all body areas to re-enter the active growth phase, maximizing effectiveness.
Do not delay sessions, as doing so disrupts the growth cycle and may reduce your overall progress.
 
Total Number of Sessions Expected
Most clients require 6–10 sessions for significant long-term reduction.
   • Coarse, dark hair responds fastest.
   • Fine or hormonal hair may need 8–12 sessions.
   • Clients with PCOS or thyroid conditions may require maintenance.
   • Fitzpatrick IV–VI may require more sessions for safest Nd:YAG settings.
 
Expected Progress
   • 1–2 sessions: slower regrowth, patchiness, thinner hair
   • 3–4 sessions: major visible reduction
   • 6–8 sessions: 70–90% long-term reduction for most clients
   • Maintenance: 1–2 touch-ups per year if needed
 
Before Each Session
To prepare properly:
   • Shave 24 hours before or the morning of your appointment.
   • No waxing, tweezing, sugaring, threading, or epilating for at least 4 weeks.
   • Avoid sun exposure for 7–10 days.
   • Arrive with clean, lotion-free skin.
   • Stop retinoids on treatment areas 2–3 days prior.
 
When to Contact Us
Please notify us if you experience:
   • Blistering
   • Persistent redness beyond 72 hours
   • Unusual swelling
    
We are here to help every step of the way.
 
Free consultation via text 📱703-785-1368
 
Booking: https://www.vagaro.com/dmvbeautyclinic