Laser Treatment Aftercare Guide — Bolton

What should I do in the first 48 hours after laser?

General rules after any laser treatment

• Use SPF 50 daily on treated skin for at least four weeks — year-round, including winter
• Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for 48 hours
• Avoid swimming for 48 to 72 hours; chlorine and salt can irritate
• Do not apply retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C or perfumed products for five days
• No waxing, plucking, threading or self-tanning for four weeks
• Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water

Treatment-specific aftercare

After laser hair removal

• Mild redness and bumpiness is normal — settles in a few hours
• Shed hairs will appear 10–14 days after treatment — this is the result, not regrowth
• You may shave between sessions but never wax or pluck

After laser skin rejuvenation

• Expect mild pink flush for 24 to 48 hours
• Use a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser and gentle cleanser only
• Sleep with an extra pillow on night one to reduce any swelling

After laser tattoo removal

• Expect redness, swelling and possibly light blistering for 3 to 7 days
• Apply dressing for first 48 hours; change as instructed
• Tattoo area may crust — let it fall off naturally, never pick

After pigmentation removal

• Treated spots darken in 24 hours and form a crust — this is expected
• Do not pick; the crust falls off naturally over 7 to 14 days
• Strict SPF 50 for three months minimum

After carbon laser peel

• No downtime — skin looks glowy immediately
• Avoid hot yoga and saunas for 24 hours
• Make-up can be worn from 12 hours post-treatment

When to call us

Although reactions are rare with trained therapists and proper aftercare, please contact us immediately if you notice:

• Severe swelling that doesn’t settle after 48 hours
• Blisters larger than a small coin, or blisters with pus or fluid
• Any sign of infection — increasing redness, heat, pain or discharge
• A fever or feeling unwell after treatment

Our contact details are on the contact page.