Page 196 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
The choice of timings is up to you! It depends more on how you wish to run your business than the science/biology.
Post-treatment
Immediately after laser/IPL treatments the skin needs to be properly protected from the environment. This includes the application of a cool, soothing cream to aid in cooling it, preferably with an anti-bacterial and/or anti-septic additive. It is imperative that the area is kept clean to minimise the chances of infection.
In addition, it must also be covered with either clothing or a suitable sun factor cream – minimum 50 – to prevent UV damage. This should be applied for a number of weeks post- treatment.
If the client/patient forms blisters after treatment, there is an enhanced risk of infection since many blisters will burst leaving a route for bacteria. In addition, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may arise over time. In most cases this will resolve without external intervention. Hypopigmentation can also occur in some people (typically those with darker skin colours), but again this tends to resolve itself, usually within six to twelve months.
Scarring or other extensive damage typically only occurs when too much energy has been fired into the skin without the appropriate level of cooling after. Applying ice-packs for a few minutes after each treatment session will greatly reduce the chances of permanent thermal damage to the dermis.
Placement
Many online videos show operators using their devices on hair, to advertise their services. However, we have noticed, many times, that their techniques are terrible! If they use the ‘stamping’ technique many have no consistency in where they place the handpiece tips. They appear to fire shots at the skin in a very haphazard way.
This means that they will inevitably miss some areas and overlap other areas – leading to very patchy results and excessive pain (probably). It is much better to adopt a ‘grid’ approach, using a white skin pencil or something similar.
Such an approach will definitely yield better results overall, with happier customers.
This is particularly important when using the SHR or ‘in-motion’ technique. A white skin pencil should be used to mark out treatment areas. We recommend areas of 10 by 10cm. Scanning the laser/IPL tip in such small areas will generate much better results simply because the consistency is higher.
________________________________________________________________________ 196 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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