3a Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1EX

Book now
string(0) ""

Laser Hair Reduction: Contraindications, Pre-Care and Post-Care Instructions

17 February 2025 | Omniya Clinic

Introduction

Welcome to Omniya Clinic’s guide to your Laser Hair Reduction treatment. Below, you will find comprehensive contraindications, pre-care and post-care information for your treatment. If you have any questions, please contact our reception team who will be happy to assist you.

Medical History

If it is your first time seeing an aesthetician at Omniya Clinic please click here to fill out your Medical History Form in advance of your appointment.

Instructions:

Upon making an appointment, an account will be created for you. Please select 'Yes, I've already got a profile!' and then 'recover password' and you will receive an email to set a new password - please check your Spam/Junk folder.

Please note: If there are any medical changes or if you have been taking any new medication since the last time you visited us, please inform us before you attend the clinic to ensure you are still suitable to have the treatment.

Test Patch: What to Look For

Test patches are carried out to determine the skin’s and hair’s reaction and starting treatment parameters. In other words, we want to make sure that we are treating you safely and effectively.

  • Small areas of hair growth in the area that requires treatment are to be patch tested and if no adverse reaction occurs after 48 hours, then the treatment can begin
  • The treated area may feel warm, tingly and/or sensitive immediately after and up to 48hours which is normal
  • Little to moderate redness in the area is normal and can last up to 48hours
  • You may experience slight red bumps (localised swelling of hair follicles) on the skin, which is normal and can last up to 48hours
  • What we ask of you is to make a note of any excessive redness or swelling or if any blisters form, if the area feels excessively hot and for how long
  • Pre Treatment and Post Treatment advice needs to be followed

Please note:

  • If you are planning to go on a sunny holiday before or after your laser treatment and are tanned when you are due your next appointment, you will need to wait 4 weeks before you can book a Patch Test first, then come for treatment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatment.
  • If you haven’t had a laser treatment for a year or over, for your safety we require a new Patch Test before you can continue with your treatment.
  • If any reaction occurs within 48hours, such as blisters/burns or if you are not sure whether you have had a laser reaction, please call the clinic on 0207 584 4777.

Contraindications

Therapy using the Cynosure Elite IQ lasers is contraindicated for those patients who:

  • Are hypersensitive to light in the near infrared wavelength region
  • Have sun-damaged skin (treatment contraindicated with Alex laser only)
  • Have recent unprotected sun exposure (four weeks prior to the treatment, including the use of tanning beds or tanning products, such as creams, lotions and sprays)
  • Take medication which is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight
  • Have seizure disorders triggered by light
  • Take anticoagulants - risk of bruising
  • Take or have taken oral isotretinoin, such as Accutane®, within the last six months
  • Take medication that alters the wound-healing response
  • Have a history of healing problems or history of keloid formation (1 keloid scar is fine, more than 1 is contraindicated)
  • Have an active localized or systemic infection, or an open wound in area being treated
  • Have a significant systemic illness or an illness localized in area being treated
  • Have a history of cancer, skin cancer or suspicious lesions (must be in remission for 24 months, and a letter from Consultant or GP must be presented to confirm the treatment is fine to be carried out)
  • Have lupus
  • Are receiving or have received gold therapy
  • Are pregnant or have been pregnant recently
  • Gold therapy - wait 6 months
  • Tetracycline group - wait length of original course
  • St John's Wort - wait 3 months
  • Had Botox injections or fillers in the area of treatment – wait 2 weeks

Pre Treatment Instructions

Please:

  • Avoid using any AHA/BHA skin products e.g. glycolic acid/salicylic acid 48hours prior to treatment.
  • Avoid using any active skin care including scrubs on the day of treatment.
  • Avoid using any vitamin A skin products such as retinol for 5-7 days prior depending on strength.
  • Avoid using topical prescription products 7 days prior to treatment.
  • Avoid any laser/heat related treatment on the area 2 weeks prior to treatment
  • The area to be treated should be free from make-up, perfume, deodorant and body or face creams. Be careful when using spray deodorant prior to treatment.
  • Avoid waxing, plucking or bleaching the hair a minimum of one month prior to laser hair reduction. Hair removal creams to be avoided for a minimum of one week prior. Hair should be shaved 24 hours prior to treatment and not be longer than 1mm in length.
  • There should be no active or fake tan in the area to be treated. Use of sunbeds or prolonged exposure to sunlight is not allowed in the month prior to treatment and an SPF 30 must be used on the area between treatments. Sun tans must be left to fade completely before treatment can start. Fake tans must also be fully faded before treatment can commence. We reserve the right to charge for any appointment booked but abandoned due to active sun-tan or fake tan.
  • A medical history is taken at consultation, and we rely on you to inform us of any changes to this every time you come for an appointment. We need to know of any medication you are taking including those bought from a chemist or herbalist.

Post Treatment Instructions

  • The treated area may feel warm, tingly, itchy and/or sensitive immediately after and up to 48hours which is normal. You can apply a cold compress if you would like and apply an aloe-based gel or equivalent to sooth and moisturize the skin.
  • Scarring, though rare, can occur following any laser procedure.
  • Blistering during treatment may be an indication of sun exposure or an excessive fluence setting for the skin type. Blistering can occur during the first three days following the laser procedure. Blistered areas should be kept moist with an ointment until healed. Contact the clinic if there are any sign of blistering or infection (redness, tenderness, or pus).
  • Other acute changes may include scaling or scabbing. These changes are often associated with higher energies and their incidence decrease when treatment energies are reduced.
  • Histamine/Hives: some patients develop raised papules similar to hives. This irritation usually subsides in a few hours.
  • Pustules or pimples may develop in the first few days following treatment. The affected area should be kept clean and treated with care.
  • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur following the laser treatment. Pigmentary changes have been reported to be transient although they may last for several months or longer.
  • Little to moderate redness in the area is normal and can last up to 48hours.
  • Normal skin care regimens, i.e., makeup, moisturizers, deodorant, and shaving may be resumed the day after treatment if there is no redness, blistering, or crusting present. If makeup is allowed, apply and remove it delicately. Excess rubbing can open the area and increase the chance of scarring. If the area blisters, extreme caution should be used when applying or removing makeup. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated with care.
  • You may experience slight red bumps (localised swelling of hair follicles) on the skin, which is normal and can last up to 48hours.
  • Avoid tight clothing on the area for 48hours.
  • No further heat in the area such as hot showers/baths, saunas/steam room for 48hours.
  • No intense exercise for 48hours.
  • No sun exposure for 1 week; ensure you always wear sun protection broad spectrum minimum of SPF 30 or greater on the treated area and reapply throughout the day while exposed to sun
  • No active skincare products e.g. glycolic/salicylic acid for 48 hours.
  • No topical vitamin A product to be used on the treated area for 7 days.
  • Do not wax or tweeze or use any method of hair removal that requires removal of the hair from the follicle completely throughout the entire duration of your treatment

 

Cancellations

If you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment for any reason, we operate with a 48 hour cancellation policy, therefore we kindly ask you to inform us within 2 working days if you are unable to attend your appointment.

When to Contact Us

If you have any concerns, have had a reaction or think you might have had a reaction, please contact us:

Phone: 020 7584 4777

Email: hello@omniya.co.uk – please include photos if applicable.

Follow-Up Appointments

If you would like to schedule a follow-up appointment or have any questions regarding future appointments, please contact us by:

 

Survey:

Please click here to complete a short survey following your appointment today. The survey is completely anonymous and will take less than 2 minutes of your time.

Review:

We would love your feedback. Please leave us a review of your experience here.

We look forward to supporting you throughout your treatment journey and helping you achieve excellent results.

 

 

Omniya Clinic

Omniya is a leading health and aesthetic clinic in London, specialising in Botox, fillers, hormone therapy, TRT, HRT, facials, hair removal and other cosmetic treatments in Knightsbridge, London. Visit our website to learn more about us or give us a call. Omniya Clinic is a specialist health, aesthetic and cosmetic clinic in Knightsbridge, London, and the centre of excellence for wellbeing.


Book Now
Call Us