Before and aftercare instructions
Preparing your skin before electrolysis and caring for it afterward can make treatment more comfortable and support proper healing. Please review these instructions before your appointment and follow the aftercare guidance.
Before your appointment
• Stop Accutane at least 6-12 months before, and stop using retinoids at least 7 days before your appointment.
• Stop tweezing, waxing, threading, sugaring, and using an epilator. These methods remove hair from the root and interfere with your progress. Stop using at-home IPL devices in the treatment area.
• Shave or trim the area with clippers but leave 1/16”-1/8” inch of length so it can easily be grabbed with tweezers. This is generally 2-4 days depending on how fast it grows.
• Hydrate! Add an additional 8 oz of water and an electrolyte beverage everyday, not just the day of your appointment. Consistent hydration can help the current flow more effectively, keep you more comfortable during treatment, and supports healing afterwards.
• Use a fragrance-free lotion to hydrate the skin externally.
• Limit sun exposure 48 hours before (and after) treatment and always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• Gently exfoliate 24-48 hours before your appointment using a mild cleanser and clean washcloth. Avoid harsh scrubs, including apricot and chemical peels.
• If caffeine or alcohol makes you more sensitive, consider limiting it before your appointment.
• For the best results, please arrive at your appointment with clean skin. Avoid applying makeup, oil, deodorant, perfume, or other topical products to the treatment area beforehand.
Tell me before treatment about new health changes, medications, skin products, procedures, or reactions.
After your appointment
• Minor swelling and redness is expected and usually dissipates within a day or two.
• Small scabs or pustules may occur but do not touch or pick the area to avoid introducing bacteria.
• Do not exfoliate or use harsh scrubs until the skin is healed.
• If we do facial work, use a clean pillowcase to reduce bacterial exposure.
• Let the skin breathe, no makeup or fragranced lotion for 24 hours.
• Avoid sun exposure, heat, sweating, or friction (hot shower, sauna, intense workout) for 48-72 hours. Once the area tolerates products, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• Gently cleanse with clean hands and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser; pat dry. A cool compress with a clean barrier may be used briefly for comfort but do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Moisturize with fragrance-free lotion, and fragrance-free aloe vera or alcohol-free witch hazel can help soothe your skin.
Let me know if you have concerns or if your condition worsens instead of improving. Seek medical care for severe pain, rapidly spreading redness or swelling, pus, fever, blistering, or signs of an allergic reaction.