The list below provides guidance in preparing for your laser treatment. Please call the office if you do not understand an item or if you have questions.

• You cannot receive treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• You cannot receive treatment if you have been on Acutane in the past 6 months;
• Please remove any hair from any intended treatment areas by shaving;
• For 2 weeks before your appointment, please refrain from using tretinoin (for example: Retin A, Atralin, Renova, Refissa, or Avita, among others) on the intended treatment area;
• For 2 weeks before your appointment, please do not have a chemical peel on the intended treatment area;
• For one week before your laser treatment, do not wax, have micro-dermabrasion or use an abrasive scrub on the intended treatment area.
• Before arriving for your appointment, thoroughly clean and dry your skin, removing any makeup, creams and oils before laser treatment. Failure to do this will diminish the quality of your treatment results;
• The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for a minimum of 14 days prior to or after laser treatment;
• If you have had a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus) and are scheduled for laser treatment near your mouth, or for Fraxel treatment of your face, please request prophylactic antiviral therapy with Valtrex; and
• Assure that you apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater after your treatment in order to avoid Hyperpigmentation. Dr. Overman recommends and carries Obagi sunscreens.