What does recovery look like after a laser hair removal session? January 24, 2023 Because laser hair removal is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, there is no formal downtime or recovery period associated with the procedure. Patients often return to their normal daily activities including work immediately following their treatment. Many patients report experiencing redness, tenderness, and swelling around their treated areas; however, this typically subsides on its own within a few days of treatment. Dr. Downey, Dr. Bullocks, and their team recommend protecting treated areas from direct sunlight and applying sunscreen every day to aid in a smooth and quick recovery. It’s imperative to avoid prolonged sun exposure to the treated area for 2 weeks after each session. While many patients will see up to a 25 percent reduction in hair growth after the first treatment, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks may recommend up to six laser hair removal treatments to achieve your desired results. Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks also recommends coming in for regular maintenance treatments once a year to ensure you remain hair-free.