Laser and IPL Safety Cautionary

It is imperative you read this information before your IPL Laser hair removal treatment at Visible Changes to ensure your experience is as effective and comfortable as possible.

Under no circumstances should any Adelaide beauty clinics be allowed to offer permanent hair removal on the same day as your skin consultation (as recommended by medical professionals). Skin consultation and test patches are absolutely paramount 24-48 hours prior to having your IPL Laser treatment.

IPL Laser hair removal treatments are very safe methods that achieve results, provided you are in the hands of our Visible Changes professional laser trained therapists that understand the importance of safety first. There are many contraindications that can affect your treatment, which is why it is so vital that you have a detailed skin analysis to determine your skin’s needs and risk factors.

There are specific settings that are used for each individual as you may have different skin colouring, different hair types, and different desires. Not only do you need to undergo a specific skin analysis to determine which settings you may need for the IPL Laser hair removal to take place, but there are also many medications that can contraindicate you from having such treatment. This includes anti-depressants and even some herbal medicines.

Certain medications can make your skin susceptible to becoming sensitive to specific light sources that are used during the IPL/Laser hair removal process. This means they may cause hypo or hyper pigmentation, and other skin reactions. A test patch must also be performed to ensure that you are not contraindicated to the light source that is used.

Our Visible Changes therapists are all highly-trained with the highest accreditation, including certificates in laser safety. Visible Changes requires you to have a skin consultation and diagnostic skin imaging prior to commencing treatments to ensure the highest quality in IPL Laser hair removal has to offer.

Pre‐Treatment Care

  • Stay out of the sun and solariums for at least 2-4 weeks before your treatment. Sun exposure before and after will increase the risk of complications or side effects.
  • Use a daily moisturiser, plus SPF30+ sunscreen applied hourly while you are exposed.
  • Do not use self-tanners or sprays for 1-2 weeks before your treatment. The procedure may have to be postponed if you have a tan.
  • Do not use any form of tanning throughout your treatment; this includes accidental sun exposure such as driving and daily activities.
  • Do not wax, pluck, or bleach at least 2-4 weeks before and/or during your treatment.
  • Please shave the treatment area at least one day prior to your appointment.
  • Please inform your therapist of any medication you are on, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding during your consultation and test patch process. Your therapist will go through all of the necessary information during your consultation including informing you on contraindications, which may jeopardise your treatment.

Post‐Treatment Care

  • Apply a recommended cream base on your therapist’s recommendation to the treated area twice per day for three days.
  • This is in addition to an SPF 30+ sunscreen used daily, as it is imperative you stay out of the sun as much as possible.
  • Redness is common for a couple of hours to a couple of days after treatment. The redness is a natural response and usually disappears within a few hours. In some cases it can last longer, but unlikely to last more than two days. Regular application of a daily moisturiser will improve recovery time.
  • Until redness has completely subsided, avoid performing activities that cause excessive perspiration until the area has improved.
  • Avoid swimming pools and spas treated with chemicals or chlorine until the skin returns to its normal condition.
  • You may shower afterward using lukewarm water, but avoid hot showers until the skin returns to its normal skin condition. Wash the treated area gently with mild, unscented soap and pat dry – do not rub.
  • In the unusual case of crusting or swelling of the skin, apply the recommended cream from a therapist. However, please advise us immediately. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection.