Contraindications
"The importance of contraindications: They ensure the safety, effectiveness and personalization of laser treatments, while minimizing risks and side effects."
Miss. Elegance · Laser, Skin & Lifting Boutique · Alkmaar
Contraindications for laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a suitable and safe treatment for many people, but not every skin condition or medical situation can be treated at all times. At Miss. Elegance · Laser, Skin & Lifting Boutique in Alkmaar, safety always comes first.
Assessment first
When should laser hair removal be postponed or avoided?
Before every treatment, it is important to disclose relevant information about your health, medication, skin condition and recent treatments. Some situations are a clear reason to temporarily postpone treatment, while others need to be assessed individually first.
At Miss. Elegance · Laser, Skin & Lifting Boutique we assess not only hair growth, but also skin condition, medication, sun exposure and other factors that may affect how the skin responds to laser energy.
Skin condition
Active skin conditions and damaged skin
Open wounds or infections
An area with open wounds, an active infection or clear inflammation will not be treated until the skin has sufficiently recovered.
Eczema or psoriasis
An active or severely irritated area will be avoided. Treatment may be possible once the skin has calmed, depending on the location and condition of the skin.
Sunburned skin
Sunburned, severely irritated or recently heavily sun-exposed skin will not be treated.
Scarring and tendency to form keloids
Always let us know if you tend to develop unusual scars or keloids, so that we can assess in advance whether treatment is appropriate.
Medication
Medication and photosensitivity
Before every laser treatment, let us know which medications, supplements and skincare products you are using.
Some medicines can make the skin more sensitive to light, heat or skin damage. This does not automatically mean that laser hair removal is impossible, but treatment may need to be postponed or consultation with a doctor or pharmacist may be required first.
Antibiotics
Some antibiotics can cause photosensitivity. The required waiting period depends on the medication, the reason it is being used and the skin's reaction. There is therefore no single universal waiting period.
Isotretinoin / Roaccutane
Current or recent use of isotretinoin must always be disclosed before treatment. Suitability is assessed individually and, where necessary, treatment may be postponed or discussed with a doctor first.
Retinoids and active skincare products
Strong retinoids, acids or other irritating products used around the treatment area may affect the sensitivity of the skin.
Photosensitivity
Medication, herbal remedies such as St John's wort and certain medical conditions can cause photosensitivity. Always disclose this before treatment.
Sun & pigmentation
Recent sun exposure, sunbeds and self-tanner
Recently tanned skin contains more melanin. This can make the skin react more strongly to laser energy and increase the risk of unwanted skin reactions.
For this reason, avoid intense sun exposure, sunbeds and self-tanner around the time of treatment, and always let us know if your skin has recently become noticeably darker or sunburned.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
At Miss. Elegance · Laser, Skin & Lifting Boutique cosmetic laser hair removal is not performed during pregnancy as a precaution.
During breastfeeding, suitability may depend on the treatment area, skin condition, hormonal changes and any medication you may be using. Always discuss this with us in advance.
Hormonal factors
PCOS and hormonal hair growth
PCOS and other hormonal changes do not automatically mean that laser hair removal cannot be performed, but they may affect the results and the amount of new hair growth.
Hormonal areas may therefore require additional treatments or maintenance sessions later on.
Medical history
Medical conditions, cancer and radiotherapy
If you have a serious medical condition, active cancer, have recently undergone cancer treatment or radiotherapy, always discuss this with your treating physician before considering cosmetic laser treatment.
Medical conditions that cause photosensitivity, including certain autoimmune conditions, may also require additional medical assessment.
Diabetes or a blood disorder does not automatically mean that laser treatment is never possible. However, factors such as wound healing, sensitivity, medication and general health may be reasons to postpone treatment or request medical clearance.
Infections
Cold sores and herpes simplex
An area with an active cold sore or other active herpes infection will not be treated. Wait until the skin has fully healed and let us know in advance if you have a history of recurrent herpes outbreaks.
Pigment in the skin
Tattoos and permanent make-up
A hair-removal laser is not used directly over a tattoo or permanent make-up. Pigment in tattoo ink can absorb laser energy and cause unwanted skin reactions.
These areas are therefore carefully avoided.
Other cosmetic treatments
Botox, fillers, peels and other treatments
Have you recently had injectables, an intensive peel, microneedling, laser treatment or another cosmetic treatment in the same area? Always let us know in advance.
There is no single universal four-month waiting period for Botox or fillers. The appropriate interval depends on the treatment, location and condition of the skin.
Age
Laser hair removal under the age of 18
In younger people, hair growth can still change significantly due to hormonal development. Laser treatment under the age of 18 is therefore only considered after careful assessment and with permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Safety first
Not sure whether laser hair removal is suitable for you?
Contact us before your appointment if you have questions about medication, a medical condition, pregnancy, a recent skin treatment or a skin reaction.
At Miss. Elegance · Laser, Skin & Lifting Boutique we would rather postpone a treatment than take an unnecessary risk.