Disclaimer

IPL for Permanent Hair Reduction

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS:

LASER or IPL hair removal may not be permanent and some hair may re-grow. Results vary from person to person.

The treatment may vary in effectiveness. Multiple treatments are normally required because hair grows in cycles and can only be treated effectively in the growing phase.

Eye protection is required during treatment and this may be fully occlusive.

Treatment efficacy is related to patient skin and hair colour. In hair reduction, dark hair with light skin responds best, blonde hair and dark skin worst and white and red hair rarely responds at all.

After LASER or IPL treatment, the skin may experience temporary textural changes such as dry texture and scaling which will normally settle over time. Blistering and scabbing, scarring, hypo- and hyper-pigmentation or mottling can occur but rarely.

Occasionally, an increase in hair growth can be seen after LASER or IPL treatment. This may be due to induction of catagen and synchronisation of hair regrowth following one or more LASER or IPL treatments where more hair enters the next anagen phase than usual. The patient should be reassured that the next LASER or IPL treatment will remove this anagen hair.

Folliculitis and/or histamine reaction can occur and can be reduced by increased personal hygiene (new razor, fresh towels and face cloths) and by using anti-inflammatory / antibacterial and skin-calming lotions. Very rarely an increase in hair growth can occur on, or several centimetres away from, the LASER or IPL treatment site. This is called ‘paradoxical hair growth’. The exact cause of this is unknown but clinical studies indicate that this may be due to a thermally-induced inflammatory response where severe erythema, hyperpigmentation or crusting is observed following LASER or IPL treatment.

The incidence of this rare effect has been reported to be more prevalent in darker skin types and in patients/clients suffering from underlying hormonal conditions such as PCOS. The increased hair growth can be treated with LASER or IPL but more visits may be required, including alternative methods of hair removal; waxing, threading and depilatory creams.

Effects following treatment can include redness and/or tenderness of the treatment area, itchiness, mild irritation, swelling or “tingling” - these normally disappear within 48 hours. Superficial bruising or blistering may occur. Hair will continue to “exfoliate” and fall out for up to 21 days. Some hair may regrow thinner and lighter than before. Shaving of the area may be restarted after 4 days.

Your therapist will discuss the benefits and risks of treatments, including details of costs and treatment course options during consultation to establish your specific treatment plan.

IPL for Skin Rejuvenation

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Vascular or pigmented lesion treatment may not be permanent. Complete clearance of vascular or pigmented lesions may not be possible.

Multiple treatments may be required. Fine thread veins and epidermal pigmented lesions usually respond best to treatment. Blistering and scabbing, scarring, hypo- hyper-pigmentation or mottling can occasionally occur.

Eye protection is required and this may be fully occlusive.

Some effects following treatment may include redness, swelling, blistering and/or tenderness of the treatment area, itchiness, mild irritation or “tingling” - these normally disappears within 48 hours. Superficial bruising might occur. Immediate darkening of a pigmented blemish will reduce/heal within 7-10 days following treatment.

POLICY – for all laser & IPL treatments, it is the policy of the clinic to provide safe and effective treatments to all patients/clients who are suitable to undergo LASER or IPL procedures within the competence of its trained staff. A contra-indication refers to a health related condition, congenital condition or medication which may cause the treatment to be unsuitable for the patient. A condition that requires special consideration is when a condition or medication raises doubt in the practitioner’s mind that should be explored further prior to commencing any treatment.

PROCEDURE – All patients/clients being considered for any treatment must undergo a full assessment by a trained practitioner and completion of a full Health Questionnaire including personal details, past medical history, medication being taken and details of previous treatments including recent sun exposure and use of skin peeling agents. Consideration is given individually to any of the listed contraindicated conditions on the Consent Form.

It is advisable not to have an IPL treatment on a tanned area of skin for up to 4 weeks following exposure, (10 days for fake tan).

Electrolysis & Advanced Electrolysis

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Electrolysis for permanent hair reduction - hair removal may not be permanent and some hair may re-grow. Results vary from person to person.

The treatment may vary in effectiveness. Multiple treatments are normally required because hair grows in cycles and can only be treated effectively in the growing phase. Folliculitis and/or histamine reaction can occur and can be reduced by increased personal hygiene (new razor, fresh towels and face cloths) and by using anti-inflammatory / antibacterial and skin-calming lotions. Effects following treatment can include redness and/or tenderness of the treatment area, itchiness, mild irritation, swelling or “tingling” - these normally disappear within 48 hours. Some hair may regrow thinner and lighter than before. Shaving of the area may be restarted after 4 days.

Electrolysis for removal of skin tags, white milia, blood spots, red veins, keratosis wart and moles-This is usually a one off treatment but sometimes in the case of a larger area or a larger skin tag/blemish, it may take a few sessions. The result is permanent for each skim blemish, however, others may occur in another area, depending on person to person.

After the treatment, the skin will be raised and red for a few days and slowly heals over a few weeks, leaving no scar, although sometimes a slight discolouration, but not always. It can take quite a while to heal so this treatment is not advisable just before going on holiday or just before a special occasion where the area may be on show.

Your therapist will discuss the benefits and risks of treatments, including details of costs and treatment course options during consultation to establish your specific treatment plan

A contra-indication refers to a health related condition, congenital condition or medication which may cause the treatment to be unsuitable for the patient. A condition that requires special consideration is when a condition or medication raises doubt in the practitioner’s mind that should be explored further prior to commencing any treatment.

PROCEDURE – All patients/clients being considered for any treatment must undergo a full assessment by a trained practitioner and completion of a full Health Questionnaire including personal details, past medical history, medication being taken and details of previous treatments including recent sun exposure and use of skin peeling agents. Consideration is given individually to any of the listed contraindicated conditions on the Consent Form. Often a doctors verbal consent will be needed before treating moles.