Pre/Post Care and Treatment Contra-Indications

1. Shave the area one day prior to treatment.

2. No perfume, lotion or cologne on the treatment area prior to procedure

3. Remove make up before the procedure

4. Do not tan or expose the treatment area to too much sunlight 2 weeks prior to procedure

5. No waxing, threading, tweezing or use of any chemical depilatories or bleach the area before and while undergoing the treatment sessions.

1. No exposure to sunlight for 1-2 days. Use sunblock (SPF 30 or more) and reapply every 2 hours.

2. No deodorants, perfumes, perfumed lotion, cologne or any cream that may irritate the treatment area for 1-2 days.

3. No strenuous exercise that causes excessive sweating for 1-2 days.

4. No hot bath/swimming pool for 1-2 days.

Hypersensitive Skin 

Caution is used in patients with hypersensitive skin. A patch test prior to laser treatment to determine level of sensitivity is required.

Pregnancy

Females must abstain from any form of laser treatment for at least six months post-partum. Although there is no conclusive data indicating that laser treatments would harm the fetus, even the slightest chance is too great a risk. There exists a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, which has effect on the hair growth cycle. Within six months of parturition, excess hair growth that took place during pregnancy often sheds and hormones have returned to their normal levels.

Skin Cancer 

With any skin cancer or any form of skin infection or disease, a medical clearance must be obtained prior to any form of laser treatment. Any abnormal growth, regardless of colour, shape, or size must not undergo laser treatment without first receiving medical clearance. 

Herpes Simplex (Types I and II) 

Herpes is a contagious viral infection. Symptoms are typically localized to the mucous membrane tissue of the mouth (Type I) and genitals (Type II). Laser treatment should be avoided all together when there is active viral infection. For persons with recurrent infections, a physician should be consulted and medical clearance should be obtained prior to laser treatment. 

Tattoos and Permanent Makeup 

Laser treatment for hair removal and skin rejuvenation should be avoided on tattooed areas of the body. The pigmentation density is much too high and the energy from the laser would be absorbed by the skin, which could lead to blister formation and destruction of the tattoo. A patient who has had a tattoo removed must wait at least six months before undergoing laser treatment in order to allow the skin time to heal. Permanent makeup is considered a tattooing. 

Photosensitizing Medications 

Certain medications, topical solutions, and even some foods can cause the skin to burn or break out in a rash when exposed to ultraviolet light. The consequences can range from itchiness and hyperpigmentation to an uncomfortable rash and burns. It is critical that a chart listing photosensitizing medications is displayed in a conspicuous location. If a client is taking a medication that is not listed, he or she should consult with a physician or pharmacist prior to exposure to ultra violet light. See next section on photosensitizing medications. 

Surgery

For clients who have recently undergone any surgical procedure, a wait period of six months post-operative is required prior to having any laser treatments to surgical site. 

Tanned Skin (Or any UV ray exposure) 

People with tanned skin have been generally discouraged from traditional laser hair removal treatments because tanning changes their natural skin pigmentation. During a laser hair removal procedure, light energy is directed to the skin where the unwanted hair is located. The skin absorbs some of the laser energy before it reaches the hair follicles. How much energy is absorbed will be determined by the skin colour. Tanned skin will usually absorb excess amounts of light energy and can cause burning or discoloration after treatment. Therefore, to treat a tanned patient, the laser energy must be turned down to prevent burning. This, in turn, decreases the effectiveness of the light energy to kill unwanted hair follicles. 

Comedones or Blackheads 

If the follicles are engorged with oxidized sebum (blackheads) in the area for hair removal, the client should receive and extraction treatment (for example, a deep cleansing facial with extractions) to reduce and normalize skin tissue. The dark colour of the oxidized sebum will also absorb the laser waves, which may lead to some skin irritation.

Teeth (Dentures, Metal Braces and Bridges) 

If the front teeth, whether upper or lower have been capped or veneered, or if the patient has metal braces and bridges, the client may experience more discomfort around the mouth area from the laser rays, because the metal will absorb the heat readily. We can cool frequently, or insert special teeth shields designed for laser use around the mouth, please pick up one at your dentist if this is required.

White, Grey, Blonde and some Shades of Red Hair 

These particular types of hair lack pigment or they do not have enough pigment granules and cannot absorb enough energy from the laser, even with high fluence. The hairs and their follicles are not destroyed. An alternate method of permanent hair removal is advised, such as electrolysis.