DiolazeXL is diode laser hair removal by InMode, performed at Vessel by a licensed RN. The laser works on the hair root, so how you prepare between sessions matters as much as the treatment itself.
Keep this guide close in the weeks around your appointment, and reach out anytime with questions.
I — Pre-care
Before Your Treatment
Hair removal preparation starts weeks ahead, so plan early for your first session.
6 months before
Isotretinoin
- Treatment cannot be performed if you have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months.
4 to 6 weeks before
Leave the root in place
- Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or use depilatories for at least 4 to 6 weeks before treatment and throughout your series. Shaving is the only hair removal to use.
2 to 4 weeks before
Avoid tanning
- Sun: Avoid all direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners on the treatment area for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
- SPF: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily when outdoors. If you arrive tanned or sunburned, your appointment will be rescheduled.
1 week before
Pause irritants
- Topicals: Stop prescription retinoids (such as Retin-A), retinol, AHAs and BHAs (acids), and abrasive exfoliants for 5 to 7 days before treatment.
Within 24 hours
Shave the area
- Shave the entire treatment area completely within 24 hours of your appointment. Hair above the skin can cause burns, so a close shave keeps treatment safe and comfortable.
Day of treatment
Arrive with clean skin
- The treatment area should be clean and completely dry, free of makeup, lotions, creams, oils, and deodorant.
Please Tell Us Before Your Appointment
Let us know if any of the following apply, so your provider can confirm DiolazeXL is right for you:
- Any medication that increases light sensitivity, including certain antibiotics. You may need to wait 10 days after finishing the course, with your doctor's approval.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months
- A history of cold sores in the treatment area, so a preventive antiviral can be considered
- Any new medications
II — Post-care
After Your Treatment
Aftercare is simple. Keep the area cool, calm, and protected while treated hairs shed.
Right after
What you may notice
- Mild redness, swelling around the follicles (often described as goosebumps), and a mild sunburn sensation are normal and usually subside within a few hours to a few days.
First 24 hours
Cool and calm
- Soothing: Apply cool compresses or aloe vera gel. Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for discomfort.
- Heat and sweat: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and vigorous exercise that causes heavy sweating for at least 24 hours.
- Cleansing: Gently cleanse with a mild, non-irritating soap and pat dry.
Weeks 1 to 3
Shedding and healing
- Shedding: Treated hairs will shed over 1 to 3 weeks. Shaving is fine during this time.
- Hands off: Do not scratch, pick, or rub the treated area. Let the skin heal naturally.
- Exfoliation: After 5 to 7 days, light exfoliation can help treated hairs shed.
- Skincare: Avoid harsh exfoliants and retinoids for at least 5 to 7 days, or until all redness has subsided.
- Sun: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 to 2 weeks, and continue a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
Your Treatment Series
Your seriesFollow your provider's recommendation for your next sessions, typically spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, so hair is treated in its active growth phase.
Between sessionsShave only. No waxing, tweezing, threading, or depilatories until your series is complete.
IV — At a Glance
Quick Do & Don't
Do
- Shave the area within 24 hours of each session
- Use cool compresses or aloe vera gel afterward
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily
- Exfoliate lightly after 5 to 7 days to help hairs shed
Don't
- No waxing, tweezing, threading, or depilatories during your series
- No tanning or sun exposure before or after treatment
- No hot tubs, saunas, or heavy sweating for 24 hours
- No picking, scratching, or rubbing
Questions About Your Care?
We are here for you before and after every treatment. Reach out anytime, or learn more about DiolazeXL at Vessel.