General Information
You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.
- Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment.
- During and after the procedure, expect redness, itching, warmth, irritation, tightness, swelling with a hive-like reaction or bruising.
- These sensations will gradually diminish over 48 hours with mild skin flaking then from day 2-7.
- 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’. Skin Needling 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 or breastfeeding
- Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
- 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.
- Systemic infection or local skin infections
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 (<6m)
- Diabetes – May impede wound healing
- Injectables/dermal fillers – Wait 2 weeks following any injectables, 6 months treating directly over dermal fillers
- 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 (6-12m)
- Hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or dysfunction, blood thinner medication
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 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
- Simple cleanser, growth factor serums, moisturisers can also be applied
- Keep the area clean, cool and calm
- Cold compresses and antihistamines can be applied post treatment.
- Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
- Maintain high level of skin hygiene
- A fresh pillowcase and bath towel are recommended. Avoid lakes, dams, rivers etc.
- 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 1 week
- No hair removal or 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 – Low Risk – Skin Needling is classified as a micro-wound and should be treated as such.
- INFECTION – Low Risk – Any type of wound can develop into infection. Highest risk in the first 24 hours.
- SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Low Risk – The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo. There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
- HAIR LOSS – N/A – No effect on hair growth.
- DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional care may be required to maximise skin protection.
Other Treatments
Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: