Question 1

Pre-care

Accepted Answer

DAILY 
A sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater should be applied to protect against UV damage, prevent sunburn and prevent compromised skin barrier function.

8 WEEKS PRE-TREATMENT • Avoid waxing, plucking, threading (or removing the hair from the follicle), using depilatory creams or undertaking electrolysis (including between treatments)

4 WEEKS PRE-TREATMENT: Avoid the use of fake tan and gradual tanning creams in the area to be treated. Avoid tanning and incidental sun exposure, including tanning beds/booths (including between treatments). The area needs to be covered and protected from the sun for safe and effective treatment. Avoid filler injections in the treatment area.

2 WEEKS PRE-TREATMENT: Prepare the skin with suitable skincare. This will include a tyrosinase inhibitor for Fitzpatrick Skin. Types III+ and any skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP). Your treatment provider will advise you of your skincare recommendations. Avoid prescription-strength exfoliant creams on the treatment area.

WHAT TO ЕХРЕСТ DURING THE TREATMENT: Mild to moderate heat and discomfort is expected. Some people equate the sensation to a "rubber band flicking" on the area. These sensations should always be tolerable.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER & UP TO 5 DAYS POST-TREATMENT: A mild sunburn-like sensation, Swelling of the hair follicles (peri-follicular oedema) can occur and appear as small, raised, red bumps. This is a normal histamine reaction (Urticaria). Itchy or dry skin.

1-3 WEEKS POST-TREATMENT: The appearance of "stubble". This is not hair re-growth. It is the remnant of treated hairs being expelled from the follicle. Allow this hair to fall out on its own, or encourage it with gentle exfoliation. Do not pluck or tweeze. You may shave during this period. Abnormal responses: Extreme redness, swelling or heat. Extreme sensitivity or blisters. Please contact your treatment provider immediately if you experience any of these responses. Avoid anti-wrinkle injections (Botox / Dysport) in the treatment area.

1 WEEK PRE-TREATMENT: Avoid benzyl peroxide application in the treatment area. If prone to cold sores, please speak to your pharmacist about a prophylactic course of antiviral medication.

3 DAYS PRE-TREATMENT: Avoid cosmeceutical Vitamin A, AHA's & BHA's, and Vitamin C application.

1 DAY PRE-TREATMENT: Please shave the treatment area thoroughly

Question 2

Post-care

Accepted Answer

Daily: 
1. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater should be applied. 
2. Avoid sun exposure to treated areas.

For the first 24 hours post-treatment (or until redness and swelling subside): 
1. Apply chilled aloe vera gel or post-laser gel up to 3 times a day. 
2. A cold compress every hour for five to ten minutes may be soothing to the skin. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. 
3. Avoid exercise and activities that increase perspiration and body temperature. 
4. Avoid the use of pools, spas, and saunas. 
5. Avoid extremely hot showers and baths. 
6. Avoid the application of deodorant in the treatment area.

Up to 5 days post-treatment: 
1. Avoid the use of scented lotions or soaps. 
2. Avoid using cosmeceutical Vitamin A, AHA's, BHA's and Vitamin C.

Up to 1 - 4 weeks post-treatment: 
1. Avoid the use of prescription-strength exfoliant creams (prescriptive vitamin A). 
2. Avoid anti-wrinkle injections and filler injections in the treatment area. 
3. After one week, start gently exfoliating the treated area. This may include using a loofah, mitts, AHA & BHA-based lotions or retinol. Use of these products sooner will aggravate the skin and cause skin inflammation during the healing phase.

IMPORTANT: 
Contact your treatment provider if you notice any blisters, crusts or open areas. Allow these to heal spontaneously. If healing is delayed, a thin coating of antibiotic ointment may be advised. 
1. Do not pick at these areas. Picking may result in infection or scarring. 
2. Your treatment provider will advise you when to schedule your next appointment, as different body areas require different treatment intervals. It is essential to adhere to this regimen for the best results. 
3. Maintenance treatments will be required and will be ongoing.

Throughout your treatment course, it is essential to advise your treatment provider of any of the following, as these will influence treatment safety and efficacy: • Sun exposure or fake tan application on the treatment area within the past four weeks. Any new health conditions, or if you have been unwell. Commencing any new medication (including short-term doses). Changes to current medications or supplements. If you are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant.

Question 3

Purpose & Suitability

Accepted Answer

Some cases are considered unsuitable for treatment: Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI (6), Grey, white, blonde, or strawberry blonde hair. Very fine hair, regardless of colour. Clients who are contraindicated for treatment. 
Depending on the area treated, 8-12 treatments once every 4-8 weeks are required to achieve an effective reduction. Maintenance will be required every 3-6 months (client dependent). 
Test patching is required 24-48 hours prior to treatment

Question 4

Medical Contraindications

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant 
Breast Feeding 
Cancer or Chemotherapy (within two years) 
Diabetes (type 1 & 2) 
Autoimmune Disorders (i.e. Graves' disease, Hashimoto's, vitiligo, lupus) 
Peripheral vascular or bleeding disorder, Immuno-compromised patients (e.g. HIV, AIDS) 
Renal Failure (acute or chronic) 
Multiple Sclerosis 
History of Seizures or Epilepsy 
Surgical metal pins or plates beneath the tissue being treated 
Pacemakers and Internal Defibrillators (Dual Mode IPL) 
Active Herpes (HSV 1, HSV 2, Herpes Zoster/Shingles) in the treatment area 
Vitiligo 
Inflammatory disorders: Eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area 
Heart disease /cardiovascular conditions/bleeding disorders 
Hypoesthesia (numbness) 
Raised Moles and suspicious pigmented lesions 
Any other medical condition not mentioned above (seek medical advice)

Question 5

Non Medical Contraindications

Accepted Answer

Fake Tanned (Spray-tanned) 
UV Exposure in the area to be treated (In the last four weeks, regardless of sunscreen application) 
Chronic Sunbather 
Open Lesions or Bruises 
Numbing cream in the treatment area 
Melanotan injections/ Permatan 
Nasal Spray within the last six months 
Clients aged less than 18 years old (parental permission required if under 18)
Tattoos in the treatment area (including cosmetic tattooing) 
Birthmarks 
Varicose Veins

Question 6

Medications that may affect treatment

Accepted Answer

User of Roaccutane (in the last six months) 
The use of Retin-A
Tretinoin or prescription-strength topical acne medication in the treatment area (in the last two weeks) 
Photosensitising medication or St Johns Wort (in the past two weeks) 
Fish oil/EFA’s (for medical purposes only) 
Blood thinners/Aspirin 
Any other medication or supplement not mentioned above -(prescribed antibiotics, antidepressants), over-the-counter (i.e. Antihistamines, NSAIDS), herbal supplements

Question 7

Precautions

Accepted Answer

Skin Types III+ (increased risk of hyperpigmentation - use Tyrosinase inhibitor ) 
If unwell (flu, common cold, etc.) 
Alcohol/Smoking/Drugs within 48 hours 
Hair removal: Waxing, Plucking, Electrolysis, Epilation, Depilatory Creams (within 8 wks) 
IPL and Laser Hair Reduction in the treatment area (within 4 weeks) 
Microneedling or IPL/Laser Skin Correction (in the last four to six weeks) 
Hormonal imbalances: i.e. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 
Clients prone to Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) 
Active Skincare (Vitamin A, C and AHA + BHA within three days) 
Fillers (in the past four weeks) 
Muscle relaxant injections (Botox or Dysport) (in the last two weeks) 
Chemical Peel
Micro/Hydrodermabrasion 
Microblading (in the last two weeks) 
Laser Resurfacing/ Cosmetic Surgery/Surgery (within 3-6 months). 
Certain Allergies 
History of keloid scarring 
Chronic Disease (delays healing)

IPL Permanent Hair Reduction