Before Your Treatment
- 4-6 DAYS BEFORE Shave both underarms; by the time you come in for your procedure, there will be some hair growth to identify the area to be treated.
- If you forget to shave, we will trim the area for you.
Day of Your Treatment
- Please come to the office without deodorant, creams, gels, or lotions on treatment areas. Easily cleaned top with a loose structure
- For women – tank top, sports bra, camisole
- For men – tank top or loose T-shirt
What to Expect
- After the procedure, be advised that you will have swelling and redness in the treated area for a few days
- Your underarms could be tender for up to two weeks, sometimes longer, as they heal from the procedure.
- Though less common, it is possible that some small blisters may develop in the treatment area.
- Minor side effects can last several weeks such as: swelling in the arm or torso; altered sensation (numbness or tingling), redness or bruising in the underarm or adjacent area.
- Other minor effects that may last longer are bumps you can feel under the skin and darkening of the skin. These should gradually disappear over time.
- Partial hair loss may be long-term.
After Your Treatment
- Immediately ice the treated area. (Wrap the ice packs in a towel to prevent frostbite as your skin is still numb and you may not feel the full effects of the ice.) Continue to ice for the next few days to reduce swelling which may last for a few weeks.
- AVOID vigorous activity for a minimum of 72 hours, ideally one week.
- A non-prescription anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen will reduce the normal inflammation and discomfort that usually occurs for a few days after the procedure.
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection for 3 days after the procedure. - Keep your underarms clean while they are healing from the procedure. Use gentle liquid soap to cleanse the underarms twice a day.
- AVOID shaving within the first 7 days. Should any swelling persist, avoid shaving until it subsides.
- Use a new razor when shaving is resumed.
- AVOID
- applying antiperspirant/deodorant within the first five days. Do not apply over any broken skin, such as nicks from shaving. Use a new antiperspirant/deodorant should you resume use.
- Wear a loose top for the next few days to prevent underarm irritation.
Call our Office:
- If you develop blisters or open sore in the treatment area.
- If your side effects worsen or persist for longer than 2 weeks
- If you are experiencing significant pain that is not relieved by the recommended pain medication listed above
Follow-up
- One month after treatment.
