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.
You must use a broad spectrum SPF/sunscreen product – this is critical and should not be ignored! Failure to use SPF for at least 7 days following the treatment could result in a significant sunburn and may compromise the overall result achieved.
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.
- 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 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 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
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 (<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
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.
- Arrive at your appointment free from any kind of makeup, moisturiser, creams or other solutions on the treatment area.
- Use the products you’ve been prescribed, as directed, to prepare the treatment area (if applicable).
What you must not do!
Before treatment, do not:
- Do not expose the area to sun or tanning products for at least 2 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 known skin irritants in the treatment location for at least 7 days before treatment, including hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing Tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids and granular scrubs.
After Your Treatment
Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations
What you need to do!
After treatment, do the following:
- Apply broad spectrum SPF30+ or higher daily. No, coconut oil is not considered a safe or effective option for sun protection and should not be used as such!
- Apply any post-care products you’ve been prescribed, as directed.
- 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 if required.
- Maintain high level of skin hygiene
- Consider changing your pillowcase and using a fresh, clean towel free from any fragrance or perfumes the day of your treatment.
- Avoid lakes, dams, rivers etc for at least 3 days post treatment.
If for any reason you are concerned about a possible adverse reaction, something doesn’t look right, you are unsure what do, or you are concerned about anything whatsoever, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can assist you. Do not attempt to resolve, remedy or remediate the situation on your own as this may exacerbate the problem.
What you must not do!
After treatment, do not:
- Do not scrub, pick, peel, pull, rub or aggravate the treatment area in any way.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, pools, spas, intense exercise or other activities that may cause excessive heat to the treatment area for at least 3 days.
- Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight for at least 7 days.
- Do not use any products or solutions on the treatment area unless we have explicitly approved these products or solutions for use.
- You must not, under any circumstances, apply solutions such as essential oils, citrus, plant/fruit extracts, or other botanicals.
- Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid known skin irritants in the treatment location for at least 7 days, including hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing Tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids and granular scrubs.
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 – 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: