Contraindications For Laser Hair Removal
A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002314.htm
Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal Treatments
“Consult a physician” or “Talk to your doctor” is usually on any advertisement or package of medication, vitamin or supplement. Any diet book or exercise equipment instructions tell you to check with your doctor before starting to use it.
This is why a laser technician will ask you questions about any medications you are taking and other information to make sure laser treatment is safe for you. When you schedule a consultation (same as any other type of procedure) you are given a list of instructions or contraindications to prepare you for treatment.
Wait at Least Six Weeks After You Are No Longer Pregnant
It hasn’t been proven that laser treatments harm an unborn baby, for safety’s sake it is best to err on the side of caution. Unless you are nursing, you can get treatments done on breast tissue after the six week waiting period.
Freshly Tanned Skin within 24 to 48 Hours
Tanning before a treatment can cause side effects like skin lightening. Whether the tan is from the sun or tanning bed, it makes it harder for the laser to remove hair because the skin is darker and absorbs most of the laser beam’s energy. There is a greater risk for blistering and dark patches on the skin. Use sunscreen of UVA/UVB SPF30 or higher whenever exposed to the sun, even if it is behind clouds.
Discontinue Photosensitizing Medication Before Laser Skin Treatments:
- one month in advance for Tetracycline and Retinal-A; and
- three months before treatment for Accutane
These medications make a person much more sensitive to sun and can cause reactions that make it look and feel like they have extreme sunburn, or end up with eczema or dermatitis.
Permanent Makeup
Permanent makeup is something like a tattoo it makes your skin darker. Do not get any laser hair removal treatments on any area that had permanent makeup treatments.
Chemical Peels – Wait Two to Three Months
Your skin needs time to heal and any redness, sensitivity or pigmentation to disappear before laser skin treatments. A chemical peel is exactly what it says it is. A chemical is applied to remove the top dermis of skin that has most of the blemishes and imperfections, showing a newer, fresher skin underneath. A person needs to avoid the sun because their skin is much more sensitive. If there is any pigmentation darkening of the skin, the laser will target that area, rather than the hair follicle.
Glycolic Treatments – Wait Four Weeks
Glycolic treatments are a mild version of a chemical peel, but there are still pigmentation, sun sensitivity and skin sensitivity issues.
Skin Cancer – Wait Six Months after Successful Treatment
Your skin has been put through the ultimate ringer and needs proper time to heal.
Surgery – Wait Three Months
A surgery incision needs time to heal before any laser skin treatments. The redness, scarring and other changes in the skin need to heal completely.
Abnormal Growth or Foreign Growth of an Unknown Nature
If there is an abnormal growth, and you have no idea what it is, it is a very bad idea to take any type of laser to it. It is an absolute must to make sure that you know what is going on with your skin. Get whatever that growth or mark is examined by a medical professional as soon as you can. It possibly may be skin cancer or melanoma. If there are hairs growing out of it that is the least of your problems.
If you do anything that changes the pigmentation or sensitivity of your skin, it will affect the outcome of your laser skin hair removal treatments.
This information is provided to ensure you have a positive experience from a safe and successful procedure.
