Laser Hair Removal

General Information

You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.

• Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment. Darker hair and thicker density will hold more heat.
  • The sensation is often described as a rubber band snap or hot pin prick.
• During and after the procedure, expect redness, itching, burning, irritation, tightness, swelling with a hive-like reaction or bruising. These sensations will gradually diminish over 48 hours
• Some clients may react differently. In severe cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
• There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
• There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’. Laser Hair Removal cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present.
• There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.

Contraindications

The treatment can not be performed if:

• Currently Pregnant
• Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
• Photosensitizing medications (Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin etc.)
• Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
• Severe Acne or Rosacea
• Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
• Brown and black hairs are treated and reduced. Blonde, red or grey hairs are not suited to this type of treatment.

Precautions

Additional care must be taken. Inform your clinician of any of the following:

• History of skin cancer – Must have completed recent skin cancer check (<6 months)
• Diabetes – May impede wound healing
• Tattoos including semi permanent makeup – cannot treat within 1” of tattoo
• Pacemakers – cannot treat within 6” of implant
• History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
• History of vitiligo – Depigment may occur
• Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
• Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment

Before Your Treatment

Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations

Prior to your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
• Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
• Shave the treatment area 24-48 hours prior
• Arrive at your appointment with loose fitting clothing and free from makeup, moisturisers, deodorant etc on the treatment area.

Do Not…

• Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks
• No waxing, plucking, tweezing at least 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • Includes products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

After Your Treatment

Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations

After your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Wear broad spectrum SPF daily
  • Normal cleansing, antioxidant serums, moisturisers can also be applied
• Keep the area clean, cool and calm
  • Cold compresses and antihistamines may used be post treatment
• Apply Post Laser Gel as often as required
• Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
• Allow the hair to fall out naturally, usually around 2 weeks
• Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have

Do Not…

• Do not expose the area to the sun; wear protective clothing and SPF 30 or higher, daily.
• Avoid exercise, swimming, heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms and tight, restrictive clothing for 3 days
• Avoid makeup, deodorant and heavy body creams for 24 hours
• Do not pick, pull, scratch or rub the skin
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • Includes products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc
  • Makeup and Deodorant should be avoided for 24 hours.

Possible Adverse Effects

Laser Hair Removal is considered a very safe and effective hair removal treatment when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional, however all laser treatments have risks.

Although rare, these are possible adverse side-effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre and post treatment advice provided:

• WOUNDS – Medium Risk – Heat based treatment with risk of burns but unlikely providing pre treatment advice is followed as above (eg. no sun exposure, no tanning products etc).
• INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
• SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Medium Risk – The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Pigmented spots may lighten. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo.
• HAIR LOSS – High Risk – Brown and black hairs are treated and reduced. Blonde, red or grey hairs are not treated and will remain.
• DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional cooling may be required to maximise skin protection
• Paradoxical Hair Growth – Low Risk – Can occur within or adjacent to the treated area. The highest risk groups for this response are females of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage treated on the face and neck.