What is the first medical consultation before laser hair removal for?

The first medical consultation before laser hair removal checks that the treatment is right for you, identifies any contraindications and defines a treatment course suited to your skin and hair. At the Centre Laser Valbonne, this consultation with Dr Milène VERA is free and compulsory before the first session. It is also the time to ask all your questions about how sessions work, the instructions to follow and the results to expect.

What actually happens during the consultation?

The doctor begins with a discussion of your expectations, your medical history, your current treatments and your habits (sun exposure, hair removal methods). She then examines the areas to be treated: phototype, hair density and colour, and any moles, tattoos or scars. She checks that there is no contraindication. At the end of the consultation, you leave with a clear treatment plan: areas to be treated, planned number of sessions, spacing between sessions, and instructions before and after each session. The laser settings are then defined precisely at the first session, under Dr VERA's supervision.

Why do we make the consultation compulsory?

Since 2024, French law recommends a medical consultation before a first laser hair removal session, without requiring it. At the Centre Laser Valbonne, we have chosen to make it compulsory. Some contraindications (photosensitising medicines, pregnancy, active skin disease, a recent tan) can make a session dangerous if they are not identified. The consultation also makes it possible to look for a hormonal or medical cause of excessive hair growth, and to give you honest information about the results you can expect.

What questions does the doctor ask during the consultation?

The doctor asks about your medical and skin history, your medicines and food supplements (including hormonal treatments and beta-carotene), any herpes flare-ups on the areas to be treated, your sun exposure, the hair removal methods you have used and your expectations. She also asks whether you have already had laser sessions elsewhere, and with which device.

Does the consultation assess the possible results?

Yes, without promising an absolute result. Results are better on dark, dense hair, and when the instructions are properly followed between sessions. They are harder to achieve on fine, blond, red or white hair, and on hormone-dependent areas (particularly the face in women). The doctor explains what you can reasonably expect given your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a charge for the consultation at the Centre Laser Valbonne? No, the preliminary consultation is free at the Centre Laser Valbonne. It is compulsory before any first session.

How long does the consultation last? Generally 15 to 20 minutes. This allows a full examination and leaves time for all your questions.

Can the consultation and the first session take place on the same day? Generally not. The consultation gives you the preparation instructions to follow before the first session: stopping wax and epilators, no sun exposure, shaving 48 hours before. The interval between the two is set at the consultation.

Should I bring a prescription or medical documents? Bring a list of the medicines and food supplements you are currently taking. If your hair growth has been medically investigated (hormone tests, endocrinology consultation), bring the results too. These documents are useful but not compulsory.

Is a new consultation needed to change or add an area to be treated? No. As the examination and the check for contraindications were done at the first consultation, the assistant can directly schedule a session on another area and tell you the price. If needed, we can be reached through Doctolib messaging.

Free and compulsory preliminary consultation — booking via Doctolib. Book an appointment on Doctolib