Safety first...
Westfield Clinic requires you to complete a Medical Questionnaire before you commence any laser or IPL treatments. This will be emailed to you prior to your initial consultation and patch test. It is important to the health of your skin and the success of your treatment that medical details are disclosed. This information is kept in the strictest confidence in line with our privacy policy.
It is not uncommon to request GP authorisation first for some conditions or medications.
Contraindications and guidance
Laser & IPL treatments
The following can contra-indicate you from Laser and IPL treatments (In some instances I can, or may ask for a letter of authorisation from your registered healthcare professional before treatment can commence).
Fitzpatrick skin type 5 or 6
Immune system disorders/diseases • Auto Immune disorders • Severe rheumatoid Arthritis • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis • Lupus • Multiple Sclerosis • Hepatitis A, B, C • HIV
Chronic Disease • IBD • Chron’s Disease • Ulcerative colitis
Blood Disorders/ bleeding abnormalities • Thrombocytopenia • Haemophilia Von Willebrand’s • Peripheral Vascular Disease
Acute or chronic kidney disease • Renal failure
Type I Diabetes
Pregnancy • Breast feeding
Active Infections or inflammatory skin conditions at the treatment site • Severe histamine reactions like urticaria
History of hyper or hypopigmentation • Dark spots on skin during pregnancy can make you prone to further pigmentation in the area • Prone to Keloid/hypertrophic scarring • Vitiligo
Surgical metal pins/plates, implants or Pacemaker in the area to be treated
Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for cancer • Malignancy • Cancer drug therapy (such as Dacarbazine, Fluorouracil, Methotrexate, etc.)
Blood Thinning Medication • Anticoagulants such as: Warfarin • Heparin • Clexane • Dabigatran (except low dose of Aspirin of 75mg a day or less) totally exclude you from treatment.
Common medications that may cause photosensitivity can include, but are not limited to:
Antibiotics, Antidepressants, Antihistamines, Antihypertensives, Antiparasitics, Antipsychotics, Contraceptives, Diuretics, Hypoglycaemics, NSAID, and Retinoids.
Topical retinoids Tretinoin (Retin-A, RENOVA®), Differin (Adapalene) and Tazarotene (Tazorac). Topical antibiotic Minocycline – wait at least 4 weeks after last application.
Notable short-term drugs (if taken for 6 weeks or less) are Tetracyclines antibiotics (Doxycycline and Minocycline), and steroids. Even though they have been taken short-term you need to wait for at least 6 weeks for the drug to be completely excreted from the system following the completion of the course.
Notable long-term drugs (longer than 6 weeks) are Oral retinoids such as Isotretinoin (Ro-Accutane), Acitretin (Neotigason) and Alitretinoin (Toctino). Antibiotic Minocycline. Cardiology drug Amiodarone - wait 6 months until after completion of course.
Some Malaria tablets taken recently
Organ transplant / anti-rejection drugs suppress the immune system therefore require Doctor/surgeon authorisation.
Botox or fillers at treatment site – wait for 3 months
St. John's Wort or Fever Few herbal remedies – wait for at least 4 weeks once finished.
Avoid taking the supplement Biotin as this stimulates hairgrowth throughout the body.
Steroids, oral or topical - wound healing impairment is dependent on potency, dose and duration of use; therefore, it is advisable to obtain Doctor confirmation to proceed. Where possible wait at 6 weeks (2 if topical) after last dose before commencing IPL.
Surgery or minor surgery (within the last 6 months).
Any other procedures over the treatment area (Dermabrasion, chemical peels, retinol treatments or other re-surfacing skin treatments) – wait 3 months.
High or regular doses of Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Diclofenac should be cleared from your system for 1-2 weeks prior to laser treatment.
No active Herpes Simplex (cold sores) – wait for at least 2 weeks after using treatment such as Zovirax before laser treatments
Some conditions requiring GP letter of authorisation before treatment begins:
Epilepsy. Thyroid Disorders. Type 2 diabetes. Polycystic ovaries. Anaemia.
Other important considerations during treatment course:
Retinol Creams/gels, AHA (Glycolic acid), BHAs (Salicylic acid) or benzyl peroxide and steroid creams/gels should be avoided whilst having IPL/laser treatments.
Avoid using pure essential oils for 3 days before treatment
No ibuprofen should be taken for 48 hrs prior to patch tests, and before each treatment throughout the course.
Avoid direct sun exposure and the use of tanning products for 30 days prior to each treatment (higher melanin content in the skin will increase the risk of burns during treatment)
Have a cold/flu/infection or any symptoms of being rundown/exhausted (or within the last week).
Important
Each time you return for subsequent appointments you will be asked to sign in agreement you have not been tanning and that no changes to your medical history or medication have taken place since your previous treatment.
It is your responsibility to inform Westfield Clinic of any health or medication changes throughout the course of your treatment. Failure to do so may result in complications.
Please report any changes BEFORE your next appointment, either using the contact form below or by phone, message or email.