Laser Pigment Removal

Pre & Post Treatment Advice

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:

  • WOUNDSMedium Risk – Heat based treatment with risk of burns. Higher risk areas include scalp, hands and ears.
  • INFECTIONLow Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
  • SKIN COLOUR CHANGESHigh 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 TYPESHigh Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional preparation and post care may be required to maximise skin protection.

Other Treatments

Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: