As a professional skin and laser clinic, it’s our duty to ensure you’re well aware and well-informed of the potential risks and side effects associated with the treatments we offer – regardless of how small or unlikely those risks might be.
To ensure the best results and successful treatment outcomes, you should always follow this advice.
You may be given advice specific to your individual circumstances that may not be mentioned on this page. Please pay special attention to this advice.
Please take a moment to read this information in full. Make sure you understand the possible risks and side effects associated with the treatment, and how to manage them should something adverse occur.
General Information
What you can generally except to experience pre and post treatment.
The information below is general in nature. Some side effects are very rare, whereas others may be more common. The severity will vary from one client to another.
During your consultation, we can advise you of any side effects that we believe may be of higher risk to you.
You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.
- During and after the procedure, you may experience mild redness, swelling, itching, warmth, tightness of the skin.
- 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 Genesis cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present
- There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
Contraindications
The treatment can not go ahead and will not be performed on you.
Contraindications are specific reasons or circumstances that will prevent you from receiving the treatment due to a high risk of complications.
If any of the following apply to you, the treatment will not go ahead.
- You are currently pregnant
- Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
- Photosensitising 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
Things you need to be aware of prior to treatment.
Treatment may still be possible, but you may need to be willing to take extra steps and precautions to ensure the treatment remains safe and suitable for you.
You must inform us if any of the following apply to you:
- 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
What you need to do!
Before treatment, do the following:
- Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications
- Pre-treat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
- Arrive at your appointment free from makeup
- Excess hair may need to be shaved
- Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment on fresh scars
What you must not do!
Before treatment, 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 as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc
After Your Treatment
Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations
What you need to do!
After treatment, do the following:
- Apply broad spectrum SPF daily
- Normal cleansing, antioxidant serums, moisturisers can also be applied
- Keep the area clean, cool and calm
- Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
- Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have
What you must not do!
After treatment, 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
- 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
Unlikely adverse affects that may occur.
Laser Genesis is considered a safe and effective treatment when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional.
However, 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 – Heat based treatment with risk of burns – but unlikely to occur.
- INFECTION – Low Risk – Any type of wound can develop into infection – but unlikely to occur.
- SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Medium Risk – The treatment is designed to create a more even skin tone and complexion. The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo.
- 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
Other Treatments
Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: