General Information
You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.
- The procedure may cause swelling or puffiness of the treatment area.
- During and after the procedure, the following may be experienced; redness, swelling, stinging, itching, warmth, bruising.
- 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 an incidence of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’ (Herpes infections) in clients with a prior history of Herpes. Laser Vascular cannot be performed if active cold sore is present.
- There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
- Some other common side effects may include persistent erythema, irritation and increased sensitivity.
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, cold sore, 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 (<6 months)
- Diabetes – May impede wound healing
- Tattoos including semi permanent makeup – cannot treat within 1” of tattoo
- Injectables/dermal fillers – Wait 2 weeks following injectables.
- Note – Reaction to dermal fillers are unknown
- 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.
- eg. blood thinners may increase the risk of bruising or render the treatment ineffective
- Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
- Arrive at your appointment free from makeup
Do Not…
- Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
- Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
- Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
- Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving as well as 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 can be applied post treatment
- Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
- Apply Post Laser Gel as often as required
- Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional for treated leg veins
- 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
- No hair removal or products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc for 7 days
Possible Adverse Effects
Laser Vascular Removal is considered a safe and effective treatment for the removal of certain vascular lesions when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional.
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
- INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
- SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Medium Risk – Vessel rupture and extravasation may occur resulting in a bruise. The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo. Hemosiderin staining is uncommon but may occur.
- HAIR LOSS – Low Risk – Uncommon but may occur over treatment site.
- DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional cooling may be required to maximise skin protection.