Laser treatment preparation and aftercare should always follow the personalised instructions from your practitioner and the protocol for your specific device and treatment. This checklist helps you arrive informed, but it does not replace your clinic’s advice.
Before booking
- Choose a practitioner experienced with the procedure, device and your skin tone.
- Explain your goals and ask about alternatives, limitations and realistic outcomes.
- Disclose health conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, previous reactions and all medicines and supplements.
- Ask whether you need a patch test and how long to wait before full treatment.
The NHS advises asking questions and understanding risks before cosmetic procedures. Review its pre-procedure guidance.
In the weeks and days before treatment
Follow the exact timeline provided by your clinic. Depending on the treatment, you may be told to avoid tanning and excessive sun, pause certain non-prescription active skincare, or change hair-removal methods. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice from the prescriber.
For laser hair reduction, shaving may be advised while waxing, threading or plucking is usually avoided because the follicle must remain available as a target. Confirm the timing for your area and device. Our laser hair removal page gives more service context.
On appointment day
- Arrive with clean skin if instructed, without deodorant, fragrance, makeup or lotion on the area.
- Tell the practitioner about any new medicine, illness, rash, broken skin, cold sore, sun exposure or self-tan.
- Do not hide a reaction because you want to keep the appointment; postponing can be the safer decision.
- Reconfirm the area, plan, expected response and contact route for aftercare.
Immediately after treatment
Temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling may occur with some laser procedures. Use only the cooling and skincare advised, avoid picking or scratching, and protect the area from sun. Exercise, heat, swimming, fragrance or active products may need to be limited for a period that varies by treatment.
When to contact the clinic
Use the clinic’s aftercare number if a response is more severe, painful, prolonged or different from what was explained. Blistering, marked swelling, spreading redness, discharge, fever, eye symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction require prompt professional advice; urgent symptoms need urgent medical care.
Keep a useful treatment record
Record the date, area, product or device, response and aftercare. Progress photographs are most useful when lighting, angle and timing are consistent. This supports safe review rather than chasing a fixed session number.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use active skincare after laser?
It depends on the procedure and product. Follow personalised instructions and reintroduce products only when advised.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Heat, sweat and friction may irritate treated skin. Ask how long to modify exercise for your procedure and area.
What if I forgot to disclose a medicine?
Tell the clinic before treatment. Do not make medication changes yourself.
Ask for personalised instructions
Our Bournemouth team supports clients from Poole, Christchurch and nearby Dorset. Contact Progen Aesthetics if you need consultation or aftercare guidance. For seasonal planning, see our laser timing guide.
This checklist is general education and does not replace instructions from your practitioner or medical advice.