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. Some side effects are very rare, whereas others may be a little 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.
- The procedure may cause swelling or puffiness in or around of the treatment area.
- During and after the procedure, you can expect some form of redness, swelling, stinging, itching, warmth and possible bruising.
- In severe cases, the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust, although this is very rare.
- There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
- There is a possibility of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’ (Herpes infections) in clients with a prior history of Herpes. Laser Vascular cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present.
- There is a rare possibility of scarring and infection.
- Some other common side effects may include persistent erythema, irritation and increased sensitivity.
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.
- 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 a recent skin cancer check (<6 months)
- Diabetes – May impede wound healing
- Tattoos including semi-permanent makeup (we cannot treat within 1″ of tattoo)
- Medical Aesthetic treatments 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.
- 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
What you must not do!
Before treatment, do not:
- Expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
- Avoid Medical Aesthetic treatments (e.g. injectables) in the treatment location for 2 weeks
- Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
- This 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
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
- 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.
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
- 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
Unlikely adverse affects that may occur.
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.
However, and 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 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.