Before Your Treatment
- 3-4 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 arrive at the office with the treatment areas shaved and free of deodorant, creams, gels, or lotions. Please also wear loose clothing.
For treatment day and recovery, we recommend:
- Sports bra
- Tank top
- Loose shirt
We recommend choosing garments that are easy to clean, as staining may occur during treatment or from post-care ointments.
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.
- An over-the-counter anti-infammatory 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. 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 or anything else within the first five days. Use a new antiperspirant/deodorant when you resume use.
- Wear a loose top for the next few days to prevent underarm irritation.
- AVOID submerging or swimming in water of any kind for the first week. Showers are ok.
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.
