For the right patients, laser hair removal can provide a 70 to 90 percent reduction in unwanted hair. This accounts for the fact that laser hair removal is one of the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States for both men and women. In fact, millions of these procedures are performed annually. Dermatologists and medical spas require proper training to offer the procedure safely.
All cosmetic procedures carry risks. If you provide these procedures, you can use a laser hair removal DVD to educate yourself and your staff on the best and safest approach to educating clients about the reasonable expectations and potential drawbacks of this procedure.
Possible side effects of laser hair removal
Most side effects of laser hair removal are rare or temporary. The most likely side effects are:
* Transient erythema, perifollicular edema and malaise
* Folliculitis, or infection
* acne breakout
* Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin. When this occurs, it is usually temporary.
* Hypopigmentation or lightening of the skin. Patients with darker skin should be careful.
* Blisters or scars. This is generally rare with proper knowledge of laser parameters. The risk is also reduced if the patient avoids sun exposure.
* Changes in skin texture. Once again, this is rare.
* Formation of scabs or scabs. This is usually temporary.
* Hair changes. Make sure patients understand that new hair growth may be finer and lighter in color.
* purple
* Leukotrichia
* itching
* Unforeseen future effects
Laser hair removal is not for everyone
During the initial consultation, review the patient’s medical history and current medication list. You should be careful when treating patients with the following contraindications:
Patients taking Accutane or currently taking megadoses of vitamin A. Patients taking these medications may have difficulty with wound healing.
* Other medications contraindicated. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics, for example, can cause hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, or make the patient more sensitive to light.
* Possible endocrine problems. In women who have a receding hairline, problems with their periods, or who have increased muscle tone, there may be an endocrine problem. If you suspect a potential problem, request an endocrine exam before treatment. You should also consider conditions such as adrenal neoplasms, ovarian neoplasms, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
* The pregnancy. Although no studies indicate problems with the treatment of pregnant women, it is advisable to avoid it.
* Potential for stimulated hair growth. High-risk patients are mostly women who come from or descend from someone from the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, or the Indian subcontinent. If your hair lines are poorly defined, you are at risk.
* Difficult hair combinations. You won’t be able to work with fine, light hair on dark skin, or blonde or red hair on tanned skin. The hair should be darker than the skin.
Client Responsibilities
Your client can also help increase the effectiveness of treatments and help minimize side effects. The client must:
* Avoid sun exposure. Tanning booths are a form of UV exposure. Tans and, in particular, sunburns increase the risk of blisters and permanent discoloration. If they have a tan or sunburn, they should wait until it is completely gone. If they are going to be in the sun, you should recommend that they use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
* Refrain from plucking, tweezing, or bleaching your hair.
* If instructed, shave the area to be treated the day before your appointment.
* Refrain from applying any type of lotion, sunscreen, makeup, deodorant, or other topical solutions on the areas to be treated on the day of the appointment. Topical solutions can potentially reduce laser energy and, in some rare cases, cause toxic allergic reactions.
An additional precautionary step to ensure successful procedures for a new client is patch testing. You will want to do a patch test on a hidden area of skin that is similar to the area to be treated. Cooling agents, which are normally used during regular treatments, should not be used as part of a patch test.
