Contraindications of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal isn't for everyone.

(The list is not meant to be exhaustive but is a good starting point for issues that are contraindicated for LHR.)

If you have any concern or questions, you are more than welcome to contact us.

• individuals with infectious disease

 

• individuals who can't stay out of the sun

• body dysmorphic disorder

 
• history of skin cancer, such as melanoma

• raised moles, suspicious lesions, hypertrophic/keloid scar formation, healing problems, active infections, open lesions, wounds, open skin, hives, herpetic lesions, cold sores, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or vitiligo

• Individuals with a known history of frequent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 or 2 lesions should begin prophylaxis prior to treatment as prescribed by their physician. Clients are advised to take the antiviral medications (examples: acyclovir or valacyclovir) at least one day before and continue after each treatment session strictly as directed until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking medication too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more tolerant and difficult to treat.

• Photosensitivity can be induced by your genetic inheritance and/or certain substances.
In the present & in the last 6 months, have you been using the following substances? (Click here to see non-exhaustive list.)
The list are examples of photosensitising/photosensitive substances that can induce photosensitivity and can make your skin sensitive to light including laser light and sunlight.
These substances are some medications, herbals, supplements, vitamins and/or cosmetic products (either via ingestion, topical application, inhalation and/or injection) you are currently using and/or you have been using within the last 6 months.
Exposure to light, these medication may induce hyper-, hypo-pigmentation, dermatitis, blister or burn.
LHR can be performed when clients stay off such medication for at least its 1/2 life or longer when it is out of their body system.
Clients are advised to consult their doctors before stop their medications.
Clients are also advised to stay off such medication 7 days after each light-based therapy.

• Hydroquinone, skin brightener, skin lightening or bleaching agent – Stay off them for at least 7 days prior to and after each LHR due to higher risk of pigmentation complications

• Pregnancy, trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding

• Seizure disorders including light-triggered seizures

• Intramuscular gold therapy

• Individuals who r currently taking anticoagulants, blood thinners, iron supplements, herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic may bruise more readily.

• Individuals with implanted medical devices such as Pacemakers, cardioverters, and other implantable devices or fillers, please consult your physician.

• Inflamed skin, injured skin, wounds => You can have LHR after these areas healed.

• Do not apply any irritants to your treated area, such as any products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, AHA, alcohols, witch hazel, astringents, vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinoids (like over-the-counter retinol and prescribed stronger tretinoin (Retin A), Tazorac, or etc. for at least 7 days before and after the LHR treatment.

• Here, we do NOT treat clients with recently tanned skin or fake tan. Blisters, burns, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may occur. Allow tan to fade prior to treatment. When in doubt, compare treatment area with limited sun exposure area such as your bum

Natural tanning or artificial tanning products darken the surface of the skin. When the surface of the skin darkens, more laser energy will be absorbed by the skin's surface rather than by the hair - our main target. When too much light energy is absorbed at the skin surface, not only it posts higher risk for burn, but also less result in hair reduction.

Other places can treat tan skin because they use low settings to lower risks of over treatments such as burn. But this will ruin clients' ultimate results to have the uttermost hair reduction in the long run.

• For clients with sensitive skin and histamine, or have a history of allergy, hay fever, asthma, eczema, prolonged erythema or edema, taking oral anti-histamine 1 hours before & 48-72 hrs after laser treatment is optionally recommended. Prescribed topical corticosteroids may also be another option. Click here for possible adverse effects of corticosteroid creams.

• For optimal hair removal results, wait around 6 - 8 weeks (not earlier and not later) after waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin, before having LHR.

• Between each LHR session => NO waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream and/or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin => No No No

• After you finish course of multiple laser sessions, NO waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin => No No No

• Avoid any heating devices including LHR 2 weeks prior to or after Botox.

• Avoid laser treatments at least 2-4 weeks or longer prior to or after filler. Consult with your provider for their specific recommendations.

Electrolysis is the only solution for permanent hair removal for individuals with the following cases:
• blond, red, grey and white hair
• sparse, thin hairs or individual/isolated/patchy coarse hair
• tattooed sites & permanent makeup
• cold sensitivity including Raynaud phenomenon

Please inform us of any changes of your health condition and medications
when booking and before start each session.

This includes any changes of herbals, supplements, vitamins, substances, and prescribed & over-the-counter medications,
ingested, topical, injected, inhaled and etc.

Go back to starting page, click here.