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.
Take a moment to read this page in full.
Make sure you understand the potential 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. While some people may experience no side effects, others may experience many. The severity will vary from one person to another.
During your consultation, we can advise you of any side effects that we believe may be of higher risk to you.
- Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment.
- Those with thick, dark hair will likely experience a greater level of discomfort.
- The sensation is often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
- During and after the procedure, you can some form of redness, possible itchiness, irritation, skin tightness, mild swelling with a hive-like reaction and sometimes bruising.
- These sensations will gradually diminish over 48 hours
- Although very rare, mild burns may occur. 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).
- This is normally only triggered when burns occur, but may in rare cases occur regardless.
- There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’. Laser Hair Removal cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present.
- There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
- This is normally only triggered when burns occur, but may in rare cases occur regardless.
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’re currently pregnant
- Roaccutane or Accutane use within the past 3-6 months
- Currently taking Photosensitising medications (such as Tetracycline, Tretinoin etc.)
- Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
- Severe Acne or Rosacea in the treatment area
- You’re currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
- You have Red, White or Grey Hairs. These hair colours cannot be treated with any form of laser or IPL device. If someone tells you otherwise, we’d strongly advise going elsewhere!
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
- 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:
- Ensure you have read and understand the information on this page. If you’re unsure about anything, contact us!
- Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
- Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
- Shave the treatment area 24-48~ hours before your appointment.
- If we need to shave the area, a shaving fee will apply, and we may not be able to complete the full treatment.
- Wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment.
- Arrive free from makeup, moisturisers, deodorant etc on the treatment area.
What you must not do!
Before treatment, do not:
- Expose the treatment area to excessive direct sunlight.
- If there are any signs of sun burns (even mild sunburn), the treatment will not go ahead. The full fee for the treatment will still apply.
- Apply “any” tanning products or solutions for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- If there are any signs of tanning products or solutions (regardless of how little), the treatment will not go ahead. The full fee for the treatment will still apply.
- Wax, pluck, tweeze or remove hair by any other means for at least 3-4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid medical aesthetic treatments (eg. botox and fillers) in and around the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Avoid skin irritants in the treatment area, such as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc for at least 7 days before treatment.
After Your Treatment
Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations
What you need to do!
After treatment, do the following:
- Wear broad spectrum SPF daily
- Normal cleansing, antioxidant serums, moisturisers can also be applied
- Keep the area clean, cool and calm
- Cold compresses and antihistamines may used be post treatment
- Apply Post Laser Gel as often as required
- Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
- Allow the hair to fall out naturally, usually around 2 weeks
- 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 direct sunlight.
- Avoid exercise, swimming, heat-based activities including saunas, steam rooms and tight, restrictive clothing for approx. 3 days
- Avoid makeup, deodorant and heavy body creams for 24 hours
- Do not pick, pull, scratch or rub the skin
- Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week.
- Includes products containing Tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc.
- Do not apply essential oils or fragrances to the treated area.
- Makeup and Deodorant should be avoided for 24 hours.
Possible Adverse Effects
Unlikely adverse affects that may occur.
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 but unlikely providing pre treatment advice is followed as above (eg. no sun exposure, no tanning products etc).
- INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
- SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Medium Risk – The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Pigmented spots may lighten. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo.
- HAIR LOSS – High Risk – Brown and black hairs are treated and reduced. Blonde, red or grey hairs are not treated and will remain.
- DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional cooling may be required to maximise skin protection
- Paradoxical Hair Growth – Low Risk – Can occur within or adjacent to the treated area. The highest risk groups for this response are females of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage treated on the face and neck.
Other Treatments
Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: