Vicki HexterIPL Laser Skin Treatments Contraindications & After Care
Updated: Sep 22, 2021
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 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 4 weeks before your starting your treatment and please note you can not sunbath or go on a sunbed during your course of 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 - 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
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:
No fake tan 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
No sun exposure 4 weeks 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.
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.
Keep areas well moisturised and allow any scabs (rare) to fall off on their own. An antibiotic ointment may be used. (This is more likely to occur after treatment of pigmented lesions).
Avoid irritants such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, glycolics, bleaching creams and exfoliants for one week.
Refrain from alcohol for 3-7 days (This is particularly recommended after treatment for Thread Veins as alcohol may dilate blood vessels in the treatment area)
Keep well hydrated
It is best to avoid smoking for a period of several weeks before and after your procedure, as smoking constricts the capillaries and taxes the immune system, thereby slowing healing and results
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 t