Page 278 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
Potential Side Effects of Treatment
 Discomfort due to heat – use ice-packs to cool the skin
 Changes to your natural skin texture – a crust or blister formation – this is very typical
following all photothermal treatments. In the vast majority of cases, the skin will heal
itself over time, as long as you keep it clean.
 A change in your natural pigmentation can occur in a small number of cases due to
excitation of your melanocytes in the epidermis. This is usually temporary but can last for
up to 12 months.
 Scarring – a very small chance of scarring as well as hypertrophic keloid scarring – Please
inform your laser/IPL operator of any history of such pre-existing conditions or a
susceptibility to scarring.
 Excessive swelling – Immediately after treatment, it is not uncommon to be red, swollen
and a bit tender around the treatment sites. This will dissipate on its own, usually within
2-12 hours, but may remain up to 7 days.
 Bruising may appear on the treated area which may last from a few hours to several
days.
Adverse Effects of Treatment
 Severe or prolonged erythema (redness) and oedema (swelling) within 24 hours of treatment that could last for several weeks.
 Irritation, itching, a mild burning sensation or pain, similar to a sunburn, may occur. An anti-histamine, from your pharmacist, may help.
 Blisters, epidermal erosions or peri-lesional hyperpigmentation may develop and remain evident for several days to several weeks following treatment.
 Eye damage from reflected or prolonged unprotected exposure to laser light – You MUST ALWAYS wear the protective eye wear supplied during the treatment.
________________________________________________________________________ 278 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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