Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

Last updated: 11 July 2026

This page provides general guidance for patients having treatments at Laserderm Cambridge.

Preparation and aftercare vary between treatments. Your doctor will give you instructions specific to your procedure, skin, medical history and treatment plan. Those individual instructions take priority over this general guidance.

Before your appointment

Please follow any treatment specific instructions sent with your booking.

Before attending:

provide complete and accurate medical information
tell us about medicines, supplements, allergies and previous procedures
inform us if your health, medication or skin condition has changed
tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may be pregnant
avoid applying products your doctor has asked you to stop
protect the treatment area from excessive sun exposure
avoid fake tan on areas being assessed or treated
arrive with the treatment area clean where requested
allow enough time to arrive calmly and on time

Do not stop prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician or your Laserderm Cambridge doctor has advised you to do so.

Some procedures may be unsuitable on recently tanned skin, avoid sun exposure and fake tan before treatment.

Tell us before treatment

Contact the clinic before your appointment if you develop:

illness, fever or infection
a rash, wound, cold sore or inflamed skin near the treatment area
unexpected bruising or bleeding
recent sunburn or significant tanning
a reaction to a new medicine or skincare product
any other change that could affect treatment safety

Your doctor may recommend postponing or adapting treatment where proceeding would not be appropriate.

On the day

Please attend without makeup, perfume, fragranced products or skincare on the treatment area where instructed.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows appropriate access to the area being treated. Do not bring children or other dependants unless this has been agreed in advance.

Your doctor will review relevant information, answer questions and confirm your consent before proceeding. Booking or paying for an appointment does not itself constitute consent to treatment. Shared decision making and informed consent are fundamental to medical practice. (GMC UK)

Immediately after treatment

Temporary effects vary by procedure and may include:

redness
warmth
tenderness
swelling
bruising
dryness or flaking
temporary darkening or lightening
mild discomfort

Your doctor will explain which reactions are expected for your treatment and how long they are likely to last.

Treat the area gently. Unless advised otherwise:

do not rub, scratch, pick or exfoliate the skin
avoid applying unapproved active or fragranced products
keep the area clean
use only the skincare or dressings recommended
avoid unnecessary heat and friction

Avoid rubbing and scratching because treated skin may be more vulnerable during the first few days.

Sun protection

Protect treated skin carefully from sunlight.

Depending on the treatment, your doctor may advise:

avoiding direct sun exposure
covering the treated area
wearing a hat or protective clothing
using a broad spectrum, high factor sunscreen
postponing tanning, sunbeds and sunny travel

Sun exposure after laser treatment can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation, we advise careful sun protection before and after treatment.

Follow the specific duration given by your doctor, as it differs according to the procedure.

Exercise, heat and swimming

For some treatments, you may be asked temporarily to avoid:

strenuous exercise
hot baths or showers
saunas and steam rooms
swimming
excessive sweating
alcohol
pressure or massage over the treated area

Do not follow a fixed timeframe from general internet advice. Use the instructions provided for your particular treatment.

Makeup and skincare

Your doctor will tell you when makeup and normal skincare can be restarted.

Avoid introducing new active products immediately after treatment unless advised otherwise. Products containing acids, retinoids, exfoliants, fragrances or other irritating ingredients may need to be paused.

Do not apply products to broken, blistered or weeping skin unless specifically instructed.

Medicines and pain relief

Take only medicines and pain relief that are safe and appropriate for you.

Do not begin, stop or alter prescribed medication solely because of treatment without speaking to an appropriate clinician.

Tell us promptly if another healthcare professional prescribes a new medicine during your treatment course.

Do not pick or disturb the skin

Do not pick at crusting, flaking, scabs or blisters.

Disturbing healing skin may increase irritation, infection and scarring risks. If blistering or unexpected crusting develops, contact the clinic for advice.

When to contact Laserderm Cambridge

pain that is severe, worsening or unexpected
significant or increasing swelling
spreading redness
blistering
broken or weeping skin
pus or other signs of infection
fever or feeling generally unwell
persistent bleeding
changes in vision
an unexpected change in skin colour
symptoms that concern you or differ from those explained

Use our contact page for nonurgent advice.

For severe symptoms, breathing difficulties, collapse, visual disturbance, rapidly worsening swelling or another medical emergency, seek urgent medical assistance through NHS 111, an urgent treatment service or 999, as appropriate. Do not wait for a website response.

Follow up appointments

Attend any review or follow up appointment recommended by your doctor.

Contact the clinic before arranging treatment elsewhere if you are concerned about your result or healing. Further treatment should not be undertaken until the area has been assessed where necessary.

Results and treatment courses

Healing and results vary between individuals.

Some treatments require several sessions, staged treatment or maintenance. Results may be affected by your health, skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, medication and adherence to preparation and aftercare.

No particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Your responsibilities

For your safety, please:

provide accurate medical information
follow treatment specific instructions
ask questions when anything is unclear
attend recommended reviews
report unexpected reactions promptly
avoid using another person’s medication or skincare
do not conceal recent treatments, tanning or health changes

Related information

Please also read our:

This page is general guidance only. It does not replace individual medical advice, your consultation or the instructions supplied for a particular treatment.