YOUR TREATMENT GUIDE
Laser hair reduction
Laser energy targets pigment in hair follicles to reduce unwanted hair growth. It is a course of treatment, not a guarantee that every hair will disappear permanently. Your skin tone, hair color, treatment area and medical history help determine the plan.
General patient education. Your clinician’s written instructions take priority because your device, product, medical history and treatment intensity may differ.
Before your appointment
- Avoid waxing, plucking, bleaching and depilatory creams for about six weeks before treatment; shaving preserves the hair target. Confirm your clinic’s timing.
- Avoid tanning and self-tanner before your visit. Tell us about recent sun exposure, skin irritation, medicines and previous laser reactions.
- Shave the area the day before if instructed. Arrive with clean skin, without makeup, deodorant or lotion on the treatment area.
What happens at your visit
The clinician checks the area and your recent sun exposure, cleans the skin and provides protective eyewear. You may feel brief hot snaps as the device moves across the area. Tell your clinician immediately if discomfort feels excessive. Small areas take less time than larger areas; allow additional time for assessment and preparation.
Aftercare & recovery
- Use gentle skincare and protect treated skin from sunlight with clothing and SPF 30+ once tolerated.
- Avoid exercise, saunas and other heat for the first 24 hours. Avoid scrubs, irritating products, hot baths and swimming while the skin is sensitive.
- Do not pick or pull shedding hairs. Resume shaving only when irritation settles; avoid waxing and plucking between sessions.
Results & follow-up
Hair does not all disappear during the appointment. Treated hairs shed gradually, and repeated visits target different growth cycles. Maintenance may be needed. Hormonal changes can affect regrowth.
Your questions, answered
How many sessions will I need?
Usually a series rather than a single appointment. The number and spacing depend on the area, hair and response. Ask for your initial course and reassessment plan before purchasing a package; no fixed number guarantees a result.
Does it work on dark skin or light hair?
Darker skin can be treated with an appropriate device, settings and experienced clinician. White, gray, very blond and some red hair respond poorly because there is little target pigment. Ask whether a test area is appropriate.
Should I shave or wax?
Keep the follicle intact: do not wax or pluck before treatment. Ask the clinic for its timing for shaving, usually shortly before the visit. Tell us about cuts, razor irritation or recent depilatory creams.
Can I come in with a tan?
Tell us about sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanner before the appointment. A tan can increase the risk of burns and pigment changes. Treatment may need to be postponed.
Can I exercise or use deodorant afterward?
While the area is irritated, avoid friction, hot baths and strenuous activity. Ask when to restart deodorant, scented products and your usual routine for the treated area.
What side effects should I expect?
Temporary redness, swelling and tenderness are common. Burns, blisters, infection, scarring and changes in skin color are possible. Report blistering, worsening pain or spreading redness promptly.
Can it treat a tattoo or an irritated area?
Do not have hair-removal laser applied over a tattoo. Point out tattoos, wounds, rashes and changing skin spots so the clinician can exclude or assess those areas.
Will it help razor bumps?
Reducing hair growth may reduce shaving-related irritation, but bumps can have other causes. Active inflammation should be assessed before treatment.
Planning your visit
How much will it cost, and is insurance accepted?
Ask for an individualized estimate before treatment, including the proposed course, follow-up and any separate products or prescriptions. Cosmetic services are generally self-pay; medically necessary care depends on your plan and eligibility. Do not assume a consultation is free.
Can I have treatment at the first visit?
An assessment comes first. Same-day treatment depends on suitability, preparation, availability and informed consent. Tell us about upcoming travel or events when arranging your visit.
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication?
Tell the clinician before booking a procedure. Elective cosmetic treatment may be deferred. Bring a complete medication and supplement list; never stop prescribed medicines just to prepare for a cosmetic visit without the prescriber’s advice.
Can I see before-and-after results?
Ask whether consented, real patient examples are available for your treatment and skin type. Lighting, angle and timing affect comparisons. Illustrative website images are not proof of a treatment outcome or a promise of your result.
Who do I contact afterward?
Call 510-777-1000 during Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM or Saturday 9 AM–2 PM Pacific. If we are assisting another patient, leave your name and callback number. For urgent symptoms after hours, seek prompt medical care instead of waiting for a message response. Call 911 for an emergency.
When to get help
Contact the clinic promptly for blistering, worsening pain, spreading redness or signs of infection.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, get medical care promptly. Call 911 for breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or another emergency. The website form is not monitored for urgent medical concerns.
Still have a question?
Our team can help you arrange a visit and clarify your treatment instructions. Hablamos español.
Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM · Saturday 9 AM–2 PM · Pacific Time
Patient education sources
Information checked October 28, 2026. These references provide general education, not Osita-specific treatment protocols.