Contraindications and Important Information

The following medical conditions, medications and aesthetic treatments may contraindicate (prevent) you from having laser or IPL treatments.

Please read this information carefully before booking your appointment.

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Medical Conditions and Contraindications

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Immune system disorders and diseases

• Autoimmune disorders

• Severe rheumatoid arthritis

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

• Lupus

• Multiple sclerosis

• Hepatitis A, B or C

• HIV

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Chronic diseases

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis

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Blood disorders, bleeding abnormalities and circulation problems

• Thrombocytopenia

• Haemophilia

• Von Willebrand disease

• Peripheral vascular disease

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Kidney disease

• Acute or chronic kidney disease

• Renal failure

 

Other medical conditions.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Active infections or inflammatory skin conditions at the treatment site

• Severe histamine reactions, such as urticaria

• A history of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

• Pregnancy-related pigmentation changes, which may increase the risk of further pigmentation in the affected area

• Vitiligo

• A tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars

• Surgical metal pins, plates, implants or a pacemaker in the area to be treated

• Surgery or minor surgery in the treatment area within the last 6 months

• Malignancy

• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer

• Cancer drug therapy, such as Dacarbazine, Fluorouracil or Methotrexate

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Blood-thinning medications

Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Clexane and Dabigatran totally exclude you from treatment, with the exception of a low dose of aspirin of 75 mg per day or less.

Some other blood-thinning medications may also affect your suitability for treatment. Please disclose all medications you are taking during your consultation.

Skin type

Fitzpatrick skin type V (for some treatments) or Fitzpatrick skin type VI may be unsuitable for certain laser or IPL treatments, depending on the treatment being performed and the device being used.

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Conditions Requiring Medical Authorisation

The following conditions may be suitable for treatment, but we require a letter of authorisation from your registered healthcare professional, such as your GP or specialist, before treatment can commence. This is required for insurance purposes.

• Epilepsy

• Thyroid disorders

• Type 1 diabetes or uncontrolled Type 2

• Anaemia

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Medications That May Affect Treatment Suitability

Common medications that may cause photosensitivity, make you unsuitable for treatment or mean that we need to delay treatment can include, but are not limited to:

• Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antiparasitics, antipsychotics, diuretics, hypoglycaemics, NSAIDs and retinoids.

• Topical retinoids: Tretinoin (Retin-A, RENOVA®), Differin (Adapalene) and Tazarotene (Tazorac).

• Topical antibiotic: Minocycline – wait at least 4 weeks after the last application.

Short-term medication use (6 weeks or less)

Notable short-term medications include tetracycline antibiotics, such as Doxycycline and Minocycline, and steroids. Even when taken short-term, a waiting period is required following completion of the course. This varies from 2–6 weeks, depending on which medication you have taken.

Long-term medication use (longer than 6 weeks)

Notable long-term medications include:

• Oral retinoids, such as Isotretinoin (Ro-Accutane), Acitretin (Neotigason) and Alitretinoin (Toctino).

• The antibiotic Minocycline.

• The cardiac medication Amiodarone – wait 6 months after completion of the course.

Other medications requiring assessment include:

• Certain antimalarial medications taken recently.

• Organ transplant or anti-rejection medications, which suppress the immune system and therefore require authorisation from your doctor or surgeon.

• Steroids, oral or topical: Wound healing impairment is dependent on potency, dose and duration of use. Where possible, wait at 6 weeks (2 if topical) after the last dose before commencing treatment.

• High or regular doses of aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac: Once you have finished taking these medications, please wait 1–2 weeks before having laser treatment.

Please disclose all medications, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products and topical preparations, during your consultation. Never stop or alter prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

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Supplements

• St John’s wort or Feverfew: Wait for at least 4 weeks after finishing these herbal remedies.

• Biotin: Avoid taking this supplement when having laser hair removal treatments, as it may stimulate hair growth throughout the body.

Please inform us of any other supplements or herbal remedies you are taking.

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Aesthetic Treatments

• Botox or dermal fillers: If administered at the treatment site, wait for at least 2 weeks.

• Other resurfacing procedures: For procedures performed over the treatment area, such as dermabrasion, retinol treatments or deep chemical peels, wait 3–6 months.

Please inform us of any recent aesthetic treatments during your consultation so that we can advise you on the appropriate timing.

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Other Important Considerations During Your Treatment Course

• Skincare products: Retinol creams or gels, AHAs (such as glycolic acid), BHAs (such as salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide and steroid creams or gels should be avoided whilst undergoing IPL or laser treatments.

• Cold sores (Herpes Simplex): Do not undergo treatment while you have an active cold sore. Wait for at least 2 weeks after using treatment such as Zovirax before having laser treatments.

• Essential oils: Avoid using pure essential oils for 3 days before treatment.

• Ibuprofen: Please avoid taking ibuprofen 48 hours before patch tests and treatments, if you are medically able to do so. If you are unsure whether this is appropriate for you, please consult your GP or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication.

• Sun exposure and tanning products: Avoid direct sun exposure and the use of tanning products for 30 days before each treatment. Higher melanin content in the skin can increase the risk of burns during treatment.

• Illness: If you have a cold, flu, infection or any symptoms of feeling run down or exhausted within the last week, please contact us to reschedule your appointment.

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Keeping Your Information Up to Date

Please inform us of any changes to your health, medical conditions or medications throughout your treatment course so that we can reassess your suitability for treatment.

In some instances, we may need to perform a repeat patch test or delay your next treatment for a short period.

Your safety is our priority. If you are unsure whether a medical condition, medication or recent procedure may affect your suitability, please contact us before your appointment.

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You will be given a copy of pre-treatment and aftercare advice during your visit; this is also available on the treatment page in the FAQ's.

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