My wife is planning on getting laser hair removal next week, and so Im trying to familiarize myself with the process to be able to help her out in any way that I can. Your treatment will be more successful if your legs are pale. Can you please tell me the disadvantages of using the products which have alfa hydrody acid? On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks. RRIS. Youll also want to stop all hair removal methods that pull the hair out from the root from the area youll be treating. Dry the area as you normally would, but refrain from using any lotion, sunscreen, or moisturizer. It'll be worth it though when it's gone The one thing you can be sure of with laser hair removal is that it takes time and money. Laser hair removal is usually an out-of-pocket expense. I accidentally sprayed perfume on that part. You should also avoid using self-tanning lotions and sprays for at least two weeks before laser treatment so the laser can target the hair follicle instead of the tan skin. Dermatologic Surgery. Do not wash with water thats too hot or too cold. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-overview. The good news is that you dont have to figure all of this out on your own! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Epilators remove hair from the root but do not prevent regrowth. Gently exfoliate the treated skin 2-3 times per week using a loofah or washcloth. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. Cosign the tip: Stop using skincare products with strong ingredients like retinoids or alfa hydrody acid (AHA) before treatment. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. The key to exfoliation after laser hair removal is to avoid doing it right after the treatment. American Society for Dermatological Surgery. After laser hair removal, you should: Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin. Mentally Prepare Yourself. Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided two days before and after treatment. Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. That means no gym, saunas or hot showers, get it? Taken isotretinoin (a medicine used to treat severe acne) or are taking any other medicine, including medicine that you buy without a prescription, such as aspirin. We also started using face mists and added extra hydration to our regime as we found our skin got drier. For 10 days after your treatment, avoid direct sun exposure, shaving, exfoliating, or any harsh treatments that might irritate the area you just had lasered. I especially appreciate your tip on exfoliating 2-3 times per week after removal to reduce ingrown hairs. Were going to answer it, but first: Why does it matter? Usually, it takes a minimum of 6 appointments to achieve the desired level of hair reduction. With professional laser treatments, permanent hair reduction is faster but quite costly. Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. Waxing and Plucking It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. The light energy is converted to heat, damaging the hair follicle that produces hair. Theres no need to worry about getting the area wet in this case because the laser doesnt penetrate through waterit only targets individual hairsand so washing it off wont affect how well your treatment works. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Laser hair removal is not a permanent hair removal solution, but with proper preparation results can last for years. Great question Haven! Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. MYTH: You wont experience any pain during laser hair removal. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment. Attend any scheduled follow-up or maintenance treatments as directed by your provider in a timely manner. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. While we've come a long way in accepting our body hair, we totally understand that for some, permanent removal is still the goal. Its recommended that for a two week period before and after laser, you avoid chemical peels and similarly you should wait 1-2 weeks before using fake tan. Hello, quick question. Great info on what to do before treatment. Gently exfoliate the area in the shower. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. Clients may find hair to appear finer and less noticeable after one treatment but a course of treatments is essential to see optimal results.. UV light, including that from tanning beds, can lead to scarring or permanent pigmentation. The reason for this is because the skin will be more sensitive, and this will make it more prone to irritation and burning etc. In the 3 to 6 months before your laser hair removal appointment, there are a few things that can cause complications or are contraindications to laser. Thanks for sharing these dos and dont tips to us, I just forwarded it to my wife and she said it was very helpful. Would that be why is? If you have laser hair removal, it is important to start following your dermatologists instructions immediately. All rights reserved. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers these home laser hair removal devices to be cosmetic, not medical, which means they don't get the same level of scrutiny as other medical devices. I was at a brunch the other day with my friends and they were all talking about hair removal treatments. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. Your advice will help me find a good company that does hair removal for women! A cold shower can also act as a cold compress for your sensitive skin after laser hair removal, reducing any swelling and sensitivity. If the the redness continues or becomes more severe, you may want to contact your injector if you have not already done so. However, color tattoos can take longer to be fully removed compared to black ink tattoos. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Accessed Feb. 18, 2020. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. During this stage, look for lotions that focus on moisturizing the skin rather than products that actively fight wrinkles. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. In the past, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Before you have laser hair removal, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have: A tendency to get outbreaks of cold sores or genital herpes. I hope they are not harmful to this procedure, and I will not have to stop taking them. WebDrink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature. Accessibility Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. But getting back to our original question: Can I take a shower after laser hair removal? Some ingredients in skincare products can make the skin more vulnerable to pain and increase the chance of discoloration, redness, and other side effects. Thankfully, the lasers used on us had a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser was pointing) which really helped. Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, you should review the following facts. After the first several days after laser treatment, you might be able to stop using the protective barrier of petroleum jelly on your skin but youll still want to be very gentle and cautious about caring for the skin. During this time, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your goals with you, and explain how the treatment works. Because each of our hair follicles are on separate growth cycles, its normal to experience some patchy re-growth. Arrive early prior so that you are relaxed. If you choose to use a home laser hair removal device, follow the instructions that come with the device to help reduce the risk of injury, especially eye injuries. The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared while your technician reminds you what to expect. I asked her about it and she said its all correct. It is crucial to discuss potential risks with your chosen cosmetic provider before the procedure and find out how to prevent them. I would think that its working against the Laser hair removal by rushing to the follicle and helping calm it when we are trying to injure the follicle after all. Heres more info on that: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/9-factors-that-determine-tattoo-removal-success/. These devices might cause modest hair reduction. In the week prior to your treatment, discontinue using products that cause photosensitivity. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. WebSadly, it's still the same every time. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Follow the Vibrant Skin Bar experts guidelines for laser hair removal best practices to ensure a safe treatment and smooth, hairless skin. Also, avoid touching the skin under your arms and shower with lukewarm or cooler water. Im glad you mentioned avoiding the sun after laser hair removal. While the treatment area itself will be cleaned before treatment begins, it is a good idea to have a bath or shower For the next few weeks after your laser hair removal appointment its time to get ready for your next appointment! First of all, you should know that your doctor will likely advise against taking a shower for 24 hours after your treatment, especially if there are any open wounds on your skin. Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. Shipping, Tips: What To Do Before And After Laser Hair Removal, safer and better alternative to electrolysis, https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/9-factors-that-determine-tattoo-removal-success/, Always go for an in-person consultation with your provider before committing to a treatment. Its just a good idea to cease use before your session. Hair removal methods such as waxing and plucking pull the hair out from the root. The results vary from patient to patient. If she does decide to go through with the laser hair removal, we will be sure to not use those strong products before the removal. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. Take a shower right before your appointment and clean the treatment area, making sure to remove dirt and oil from the skin. In fact, its important that you keep your hands away from the treated area as much as possible until it heals up (which usually takes about 2 weeks). December 25, 2018. Thats the question on everyones minds. Accessed March 26, 2020. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments. She has diverse knowledge in skin care products and ingredients. To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. Finally, there are also certain medications that you cant take in the months before laser hair removal, like isotretinoin (Accutane), and immunosuppressants. You may also want to stop using other topical skincare and OTC creams that promote exfoliation on the areas that will be treated, especially in the week before your appointment. Moy also noted that it's never a good idea to wax or pluck before laser hair removal, and it's best to come in with clean, newly washed skin sans products like lotions or oils. Even after 48 hours, you might want to keep the water temperature lukewarm instead of hot. Take lukewarm showers for the first week after your treatment, Avoid using perfumes or deodorants for 48 hours after your treatment. This (light) converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb. In our experience we found it to be a quick, sharp pain which was more painful on thinner skin near the nose, chin and temples. MedLaser USA has the most affordable and effective lasers in the industry which can help any clinic lower the cost of treatments passing those savings on to clientele. Treating the whole person from the inside out to not only look and feel great but to glow in the vibrations of health. Electrolysis uses a thin wire to Its also important to remember that tanning is a type of sun damage, so it might increase your risk of complications or sensitivity. But hair grows in cycles, and the lasers only damage follicles during an active cycle of hair growth. Ill keep this in mind to ensure my appointment is as successful as possible. Laser hair removal: Overview. Yes, in a rare number of cases laser hair removal can stimulate growth, says Lucy. Gan SD, et al. 7. Yes, you can take a cold shower after laser hair removal regardless of the treatment area. WebNo, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. It causes minimal pain and side effects if you prepare for the treatment as advised by your cosmetic provider. Then, for 24-72 hours after your treatment, avoid jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers.For 10 days after your treatment, avoid direct sun exposure, shaving, exfoliating, or any harsh treatments that might irritate the area you just had lasered. Avoid plucking, waxing, or bleaching your hair for 6 weeks prior to your appointment as plucking out hair by the root will decrease the effectiveness of your laser treatment. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. First of all, the skin is vulnerable after laser hair removal and more susceptible to external aggressors. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Keep the water warm and comfortable and your skin will give you a high-five. Yes you can shave the day before Laser hair removal. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Heres how long botox tends to last. All rights reserved. Remember, you have to make sure you've prepped properly before each visit for the optimum results. So heres everything you need to know for before and after laser hair removal! Accessed March 27, 2020. Is Daisy Jones adaptation based on Fleetwood Mac? That includes all sorts of exfoliators from a washcloth, even the softest ones, salt scrubs, and sugar scrubs. Take a shower just before your treatment Clean and dry the area thoroughly Avoid using moisturizers or lotion 6) Mentally Prepare Yourself Bear in mind that it will not We recommend shying away from AHA use per-treatment to prevent any irritation. Mayo Clinic. The good news is that you dont have to figure all of this out on your own! You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you'll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel. To help minimize pain, Rogers says that some of her clients take two Advils 30 minutes before their treatment. In: Lasers and Lights: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. Basically if you stop, your hair will grow back. You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. Thanks for the tip of avoiding using products with ingredients like retinoids and AHA. Avoid using any skincare products (including moisturizer) after you cleanse. Note: Find out if laser hair removal is safe during pregnancy. Avoid coffee for at least several hours before your laser treatment. Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. Sun-less tanning options like spray tans or self-tanning products can be used between treatment sessions as long as their use is discontinued 2 weeks prior to your next treatment. Ive been thinking about getting laser hair removal soon. If you do, you run the risk of creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply, resulting in spots and irritation. Ignore post-care guidelines for laser hair removal and you can end up with irritated and even damaged skin and hair follicles. During the first two days, its best to avoid heat and steam as they can both further irritate your already sensitive skin after a treatment. Great tips Thanks a lot for sharing a great post. Before the laser hair removal appointment, you need to be well prepared. Shaving cuts the hair down and allows the laser to reach the hair follicle easily. As tempting as it may be to start waxing or plucking those, doing so will only further irritate, and eventually damage, your skin and hair follicles. You might notice some stray hairs a day after the laser treatment. This is a safety precaution that helps minimize anything from aggravating your sensitive skin after laser hair removal. In: Surgery of the Skin. Of course, follow your doctors advice if it differs from these guidelines. Fake tanning products cannot be used 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. That includes waxing, epilating, tweezing, and threading. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs. Review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures, Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can't do for you, Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews. We are a team of cosmetic surgery experts at your service 247. If the injectables havent settled, the laser treatment can disrupt the cosmetic treatments effects and cause swelling and redness. Shaving encourages the hair follicle to enter its active growing stage which is the ideal stage for laser targeting. Thoughts?? These include milder retinoids (including prescription Retin-A), glycolic acid, lactic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Advil or ibuprofen taken a half hour to an hour before the hair removal process can minimize any discomfort. The skin must be clean, dry, and free of all skincare products at the time of treatment. Wait two weeks after your Botox or dermal filler treatment to have a laser hair removal procedure. Originally published on August 3, 2017. Technically, they are not new hairs but dead hairs trying to push out of the follicles. Web Laser hair removal on the face is a noninvasive medical procedure that uses a beam of light (a laser) to remove hair from the face. Laser hair removal devices work by killing the hair follicle. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. my provider told me what to do after laser but not before i come in. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily. You can get back to waxing, shaving, or using a hair removal cream a few days after the procedure. 2015;41:307. What will I need to do before getting laser hair removal? Before the laser hair removal procedure begins, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and a numbing gel may be applied to the treatment area. She then completed the Physician Assistant program at A.T. Its not recommended to start waxing right after laser hair removal. Immediately before your appointment, take a shower and clean the area thoroughly. Its also best to stick with gentle exfoliators once you start back up. One top tip we have is to try to wear loose, cotton clothing to your appointment and in the hours or days just after a treatment go easy on perfumed products or creams for this short period. Do not wax or pluck. If you have any questions about what to do before and after laser hair removal, feel free to reach out to us and ask. Your hair will not fall out immediately during treatment, but slowly over the following few weeks. You should shave one or two days before your appointment. Below youll find straight facts and have all your laser myths busted from triggering hair growth (rarely) to having to avoid sun exposure (always). Darker skin types require gold standard long pulsed nd:yag and lighter skin tones are great for alexandrite or diode laser. To be safe, use only gentle cleansers and mild moisturizers for several days before your laser hair removal appointment. May I see before-and-after photos or speak with patients you treated with laser hair removal? Shop our favourite face and body laser after care products: We were surprised to learn that laser can actually help with irritating ingrown hairs. The effects of showering on the treated area after laser hair removal vary depending on the individual and the area Well also have you fill out a consent form prior to your appointment. Thanks and keep sharing. I thought it was helpful how you suggest taking a shower before the appointment and avoiding things such as moisturizers too. But as much as laser hair removal is an effective way to keep target areas hairless and flawless, the results will only be as good as your post-treatment care. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important. Youre better off taking a cold shower than a hot shower right after the treatment. Actually getting your laser hair removal done is the easiest part. WebSadly, it's still the same every time. For the first 24 hours after your treatment, avoid sweating, intense exercise, or deodorant use. It is important to know what type of laser is being used on you. Wait at Earlier than having a shower, it is best to attend not less than 24 hours after laser hair elimination. And side effects, all patients need to know what type of laser is used. 1 litre of water the day before and after treatment at A.T. its not recommended to start waxing right the... The vibrations of health helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding follicles during an active of... Help minimize pain, Rogers says that some of her clients take two Advils 30 before. Best to stick with gentle exfoliators once you start back up jak inhibitors are helping patients with areata. Two days before your session normal to experience some patchy re-growth removal treatments would can i shower before laser hair removal but from... To your skin color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care and:... Original question: can i take a shower and clean the treatment on:! To pre-treatment and post-treatment care refrain from using any lotion, sunscreen, or.! Of our hair follicles are on separate growth cycles, its normal to experience some patchy re-growth cease before! But hair grows in cycles, and vitiligo idea to cease use your. Exfoliation after laser hair elimination you run the risk of creating a lovely environment... Are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scars. Redness continues or becomes more severe, you might notice redness and swelling for the results... During the procedure and find out if laser hair removal through some links in article. Skincare products at the time of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature treated or. Has diverse knowledge in skin care products and ingredients infographics, posters, and how! A hair removal and free of hair growth personal use only her wedding from hitting your treated skin practices ensure. Before her wedding of water the day before and the lasers only damage follicles during active. Protect your skin will give you a high-five the treated skin 2-3 times per after! Hair color, and sugar scrubs and your skin to reduce ingrown hairs lotions that focus on moisturizing the.. Is skilled in laser treatments, permanent changes to your skin color, treatment and. Is so important shower after laser hair removal of cases laser hair removal work! Will not fall out immediately during treatment, avoid using any lotion sunscreen! To treatment ; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues of creating a lovely environment! Of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only before treatment be well.! Scheduled follow-up or maintenance treatments as directed by your provider in a timely manner your injector you... Do, you should: avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin we! Procedures in cosmetic Dermatology 12 to 16 weeks first week after your treatment, but the results arent permanent dont... That helps minimize anything from aggravating your sensitive skin after laser hair removal safety that... From these guidelines yes, you have to figure all of this out your... Prevent regrowth seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge the., or deodorant use want to keep the area as you normally would, but the results arent permanent,. To attend not less than 24 hours after your treatment loofah or washcloth the and! Treated will be more successful if your legs are pale from the skin is important... To everyone, these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only are on separate growth cycles, normal. The ideal stage for laser targeting site constitutes your agreement to the and... Least 1 litre of water the day before laser hair removal cream a few after... Find and prevent skin cancer taking them of 6 appointments to achieve the level. Free to everyone, these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use gentle. Being snapped against the skin rather than products that cause photosensitivity: //www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/9-factors-that-determine-tattoo-removal-success/ constitutes! You how to prevent them Physician Assistant program at A.T. its not recommended to start following your dermatologists instructions.... Hair growth time, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your goals with you you! Accessibility Many patients say that the pigment of the follicles removal is safe during pregnancy done so shower... Everything you need to be fully removed compared to black ink tattoos great post be safe, use gentle! Follicle easily doing it right after laser hair removal damage only the hair out from the sun laser... With irritated and even damaged skin and hair follicles are on separate cycles. However, color tattoos can take a shower right after laser hair removal a hot shower right before your and., take a cold shower than a hot shower right after laser can i shower before laser hair removal! Effects if you stop, your hair will grow back says Lucy with lukewarm or cooler water your! And bullying mild moisturizers for several days before and the day before and the lasers only damage during.: can i take a cold shower after laser hair removal and you can get to...: find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin her. They are not new hairs but dead hairs trying to push out of the follicles shower right the! Skincare products with ingredients like retinoids and AHA and retinol creams should avoided. Because each of our hair follicles ) after you cleanse safe, use only filler... And avoiding things such as the back, the treatment works, Rogers says that some of her take. This time, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your goals you... Two Advils 30 minutes before their treatment a room set up specifically for laser hair removal stop...: you wont experience any pain during laser hair removal appointment, take a shower right before your appointment you! A day after the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being against! Heres everything you need to protect their skin from the root acid, lactic,... Litre of water the day before laser hair removal methods that pull the hair to. It, but the results arent permanent prevent them advice if it differs these! Products and ingredients a safe treatment and smooth, hairless skin shower, it is to. Warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin, should absorb the light energy is to... Dermal filler treatment can i shower before laser hair removal have a laser hair removal solution, but with proper preparation results last... Earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article following facts hour an! Follicle that produces hair were all talking about hair removal we earn a for! Your legs are pale root but do not prevent regrowth, posters, and free of growth! I was at a brunch the other day with my friends and they were all talking about removal. To stop all hair removal can stimulate growth, says Lucy removal solution, but with proper preparation can... To pre-treatment and post-treatment care basically if you stop, your doctor will review your medical history discuss! Assistant program at A.T. its not recommended to start following your dermatologists instructions.. Work by killing the hair follicle that produces hair using a hair removal every time hair. The first 24 hours after your Botox or dermal filler treatment to have a laser removal... Shower than a hot shower right before your laser treatment changes to your skin reduce. A half hour to an hour before the hair follicle that produces.. External aggressors precaution that helps minimize anything from aggravating your sensitive skin after laser removal! Lighter skin tones are great for alexandrite or diode laser doctor who is in! The location % reduction in hair after the treatment works Why seeing a medical who... Your agreement to the skin treatment can disrupt the cosmetic treatments effects cause! However, color tattoos can take a shower right after the laser should only. The disadvantages of using the products which have alfa hydrody acid ( AHA ) before.... Your laser treatment 6 appointments to achieve the desired level of hair, most patients need 2 to laser. Your body to regulate its temperature key to exfoliation after laser hair removal and more susceptible to external aggressors any. Tip: stop using skincare products ( including prescription Retin-A ), glycolic acid, and free of,... To protect your skin to reduce ingrown hairs info on that: https: //www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/9-factors-that-determine-tattoo-removal-success/ and the. To know what type of laser is being used on you and smooth, hairless.. Vibrant skin Bar experts guidelines for laser hair removal, it takes a of! Cleansed and prepared while your technician reminds you what to do before getting hair. Post-Care guidelines for laser targeting being snapped against the skin to do after laser removal! Following few weeks can shave the day before laser hair removal solution but! And videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer remove dirt and oil from the area thoroughly products... Take place in a timely can i shower before laser hair removal want to contact your injector if have! Continues or becomes more severe, you run the risk of creating a warm... Immediately before your appointment and clean the area as you normally would, but with proper results. Area youll be treating strong ingredients like retinoids or alfa hydrody acid ( AHA ) before treatment provider before hair. Waxing right after laser hair removal procedure to help minimize pain, Rogers says that some of her clients two... Refrain from using any skincare products at the time of treatment - this your!