Page 133 - Chapter 3 - Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 1st Edition
Appendix 5 – Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Care / Side Effects
The following are suggested points to raise with all potential patients/clients (please note that this is not a comprehensive list):
Pre-Treatment Patient Care
• Shave the area to be treated 24 hours prior to treatment. Do not wax, thread, pluck or have electrolysis performed prior to the treatment. The hair colour below the surface of the skin is required for treatment success.
• Do not wear make-up, sunscreen, perfumes or lotions to your appointment.
• No sun tanning or ultraviolet light exposure in the previous four weeks prior to
treatment.
• Avoid using any tretinoin (Retinol, RETIN A) type products, microdermabrasion and
dermal planning of the skin to be treated for seven days prior to treatment and fourteen days after.
Post-Treatment Patients Care
• Ice/cold packs, aloe vera or other cooling preparations may be used to ease any temporary discomfort from treatment.
• Sun exposure should be avoided four weeks before and after all treatments to insure the best results about the sun-exposed skin areas. A ‘tanned’ skin presents barrier to the light energy and reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
• A high value SPF skin cream should be applied to the treatment areas after every treatment.
• Avoid hot baths, Turkish baths, saunas and jacuzzis for 72 hours to prevent potential infections.
• If the skin is broken or has blisters, apply an antibiotic ointment, as long as you are not allergic to it. If problems persist, contact your laser/IPL provider or GP so that you can be treated appropriately.
• Make-up may be applied immediately after your treatment as long as no blisters have developed or broken skin is visible.
• Avoid ‘dirty’ areas such as building sites, very busy, enclosed areas and anywhere which might contain ‘contaminated’ air.
• If you notice anything that seems out-of-the-norm, contact your laser/IPL provider.
Potential Side Effects of Treatment
• Discomfort due to heat – use ice-packs to cool the skin
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