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Writer's pictureVicki Hexter

3 Wave Diode Laser Contraindications & After Care

Updated: Jan 3


CONTRAINDICATIONS

Unfortunately not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment.


Conditions that would mean you were not able to have this treatments:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) an auto-immune disease often referred to simply as “Lupus”

  • Any other disease or condition affecting the immune system eg removal of Spleen

  • Skin cancer in the area to be treated

  • Pregnant (or still breast feeding)

  • Bleeding abnormalities

  • Blood thinning medication (except low dose Aspirin of 75mg or less per day)

  • Suffer with hypertrophic scarring or keliod formation

  • Vitiligo

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis “Gold” or Methotrexate Therapy

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis

  • Biomedical implants or any other metal implants

  • Type 1 Diabetes & type 2 when on medication

  • Psoriasis or eczema (on treatment area)

  • Long term Photosensitive Medications

  • Very dark skin (Fitzpatrick skin type 6)

  • Liver or kidney disease

  • Severe reactions to histamines

  • Allergic to ultrasound Gel

Conditions that need a doctors letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin:

  • Epilepsy

  • Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs

  • Thyroid Disease

  • Heart Disease

  • Hypertension (High blood pressure treated with medication)

  • Cancer - after 12 months

The list below indicate conditions and medication that affect the hormones. This may affect the results of your treatment

  • Hirsutism & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - This treatment may help manage excess hair growth but will not be able to treat it.

  • Endocrine / Hormonal Imbalance

  • Menopause or Peri Menopause

  • Oral contraceptives

  • Thyroid Issues

  • Puberty


The list below is of things that require a waiting period until you can start treatments:


  • Photosensiting Remedies and short term medication, including but not limited to Retin A, Roaccutane, St.Johns Wort, antibiotics, cortisone - wait 6 months after completion

  • Active Herpes simplex (Cold Sores) - wait 2 weeks until its healed and use antiviral medication a few days before and continue a week after treatment

  • Acute fungal infections - Wait until the condition has cleared until having your treatment

  • UV exposure from sunbathing or sunbeds - wait 5 days before your starting your treatment and after your treatment.

  • Self tanners - Stop using tanners and wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not use in the treatment area during your treatment course.

  • Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency at site of treatment - wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.

  • Medical Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Skin Resurfacing or Face Lift at site of treatment - wait 6 moths before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.

  • Area being treated with Botox® - wait 3 months

  • Area being treated with dermal fillers - wait 2 weeks

  • Depilatory creams - wait 2 weeks

  • Recent waxing/plucking (all laser based hair removal treatments require there to be a follicle to target so wait until hair has grown back)

  • Open lesions -wait until completely healed

  • Infection - wait until the infection has completely healed

  • Inflammation - wait until the area has completely calmed down

  • Tattoos in the treatment area - the area has to be avoided

  • Moles (if you have a mole, you can still undergo laser based treatments as the beams used aren’t on the UV spectrum, however it is always important to keep an eye on any visual mole alterations that may occur (if you do see anything suspicious, make sure you inform your doctor of the treatment and have it checked as soon as possible)

Pre-Treatment Care

In the lead up to your treatment ensure:

  • Please shave the area to be treated 1-2 days prior to your treatment (do not use tweezers or wax for 4 weeks prior to treatment - hair removal creams for sensitive skin are permitted).

  • No fake tan 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

  • No sun exposure 5 days prior to your treatment (use SPF 30+ daily).

  • Take anti-viral medication if you have had recent herpes close to the area.

  • No alcohol 48 hours before your treatment

Post-Treatment Care

  • Cold compresses (not ice) and recommended skin care products such as Aloe Vera may be useful if there is any swelling and erythema or general discomfort. Erythema may last for several hours. (Very rare)

  • You may take over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication. Hydrocortisone (steroid) cream may decrease any itching or skin irritation. Antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) may be used if skin is broken (very rare) to prevent infection.

  • Your skin will be fragile for 2 to 3 days. Use gentle cleansers, but do not rub the skin vigorously and avoid cleaning with very hot water during this time. Skin moisturisers may be used and make-up can be applied if the skin is not broken. Aloe Vera gel can help aid recovery

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning creams during the entire course of treatments. Use SPF 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times.

  • The treatment area may be left open and uncovered. Do not scrub the area. Do not use any products on the treated area without first consulting your Aesthetic Therapist.

  • Avoid soaking for 24 to 48 hours. No hot tubs, whirlpools or baths, but showers are allowed if tepid water is used.

  • Avoid excessive sweating for 24 to 48 hours. No saunas or vigorous working out.

  • Avoid irritants such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, glycolics, bleaching creams and exfoliants for one week.

  • Refrain from alcohol for 24 hours

  • Keep well hydrated

  • Avoid photosensitivity inducing foods (notably Celery & Leek)

  • Plucking residual hair is acceptable after hair removal treatment (but not before!)

  • Makeup can be applied after 2 hours

  • On occasion, clients experience blistering that causes crusting. This usually does not occur until the following day. If it does occur, the patient can apply warm compresses and a topical antiseptic ointment. This occurrence should be relayed to your Aesthetic Practitioner as future treatments will require that the settings be adjusted.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF TREATMENTS

This is a general descriptions of various dermatological treatments, including possible benefits and risks that may occur as a result of these treatments. The Aesthetic Practitioner responsible for your treatment will describe and discuss the specific details of your procedure with you and answer your questions. Please read the applicable sections of this consent form carefully. This form may contain words that are unfamiliar to you. Please ask your Practitioner to explain any words or information that you do not clearly understand.


What is E-Light?

The system used delivers electrical energy pulsed at the same frequency as radio waves which is known as Radiofrequency current. This Radiofrequency energy is used combined with Intense Pulsed Light when it is known as E-Light. E-Light has the benefit of causing less discomfort than Intense Pulsed Light alone and can also be used on some darker skin types. Radiofrequency current is the same type of energy used in hair removal by electrolysis – a slight tingling may be felt and some heating of the treatment area may occur. This heating should be counteracted by the cooling pulse delays applied to the skin throughout the treatment. Certain Medical conditions will preclude you from having any treatments involving Radiofrequency along with the need to remove metal bracelets, earrings etc. Your medical history and medication will be reviewed to decide if you are suitable for this type of treatment.


Super Hair Removal (SHR)

The use of the SHR Super Hair Removal technology on the equipment at this clinic/studio/salon allows pain free treatments and elimination of the side effects listed. This new technology heats the hair follicle in a series of gentle passes over the skin. However this treatment may not be suitable for certain areas of your body – your Therapist will tell you if the SHR system will be used for your specific treatment. Please note that risks and side effects will be minimized or completely eliminated by the use of test patches before your treatment


General Treatment Risks

Eye injury due to use of Intense Pulsed Light/E-Light is a risk to the client and to the practitioner. However, the risks are eliminated with the use of proper eyewear. Your eyes will be covered during any light based IPL/E-light procedure either with special safety spectacles or with goggles similar to those worn in a tanning booth. The practitioner and any other person in the treatment room will be wearing special eyewear that filters out the potential harmful light and allows them to clearly visualize the treatment area.

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