Laser Pigment Removal

General Information

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

We strongly advise getting a skin cancer check done before undergoing any form of laser pigment removal.

• Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment. Darker pigmented lesions 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. 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) or hypopigmentation.
• There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’. Laser Pigment Removal cannot be performed if active cold sore is present.
• There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
• The treated pigmented lesion will change in colour, thicken or graze and will lift off like dry skin approx 2 weeks after treatment.

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.

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 (<1 month with specialist confirmation of no suspicious lesions)
• 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
• Seborrheic Keratosis may only be lightened and often recur
• Melasma is particularly difficult to treat and heat based treatments may exacerbate symptoms
• Superficial/Epidermal pigment is targeted. Dermal pigment is not suited to this type of 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.
• Arrive at your appointment with loose fitting clothing and free from makeup, moisturisers, deodorant etc on the treatment area.
• Use active skincare, in particular pigment inhibitors, for a minimum 2 weeks prior. The better the prep, the better the results treatment

Do Not…

• Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 4 weeks.
• 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…

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

Do Not…

• Do not expose the area to the sun (wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30+ or higher, daily).
• Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 3 days
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours
• Do not pick, scratch or rub the skin
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 2 weeks
  • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

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. Higher risk areas include scalp, hands and ears.
• INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
• SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – High Risk – Treatment is used to reduce freckles, sunspots and similar lesions. However, there is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation. Daily SPF is mandatory.
• HAIR LOSS – High Risk – Hair loss may occur for any dark hairs within and in close proximity to the pigmented lesion.
• DARK SKIN TYPES – High Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional preparation and post care may be required to maximise skin protection.