It is important to shave before beginning the treatment. If the external hair shaft is present the laser will burn it, in turn burning the skin. Depilatory creams can be used with patients who object to shaving. Anesthesia is usually not required; however, this depends on the patient and body area. When treating the upper lip some kind of anesthesia is recommended. There is a high risk for eye damage with the laser because the retina has a very high concentra- tion of melanin. For this reason treatment must not be carried out inside the bony area of the eye. It is important.
