Laser Hair Removal What is Laser Hair Removal? The FDA recognizes Laser Hair Removal as a Permanent Hair Reduction. A reduction of 100% cannot be guaranteed. The only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA is electrolysis. Electrolysis can permanently treat any color hair. Laser hair removal cannot treat white or gray hairs. Light color hairs such as blonde and red may be reduced by the laser but is not guaranteed. The laser technician can assess the hair with a test patch to determine if the hairs can be treated. The industry standard for a permanent hair reduction on any area of the body is 6-8 laser treatments. This standard series of treatments along with the recommended treatment schedule are pertinent to maximize the efficiency of the hair follicle’s destruction. After completion of the treatment series, additional treatments may be needed to maintain the desired results. Many outside factors such as changes in hormones and medications can stimulate new hair growth. Pre-Treatment Guidelines Please arrive to your appointment with freshly cleansed skin, free of any lotions, creams, make-up, perfumes, etc.. Apply a SPF 30 to the treatment area every day and avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds. Sun exposure and/or a visible tan can result in pigmented changes to the skin that can last up to six months and in some cases be permanent. You may also consider adding an antioxidant serum to your daily skin care regimen, such as Vitamin C, to further protect your skin from free radicals which can cause sun damage. □ □ Clients who are treated with the Candela GentleLASE® should avoid any direct sun exposure to the treatment area for at least 30 days pre and post treatment. Clients who are treated with the Candela GentleYAG® should avoid any direct sun exposure to the treatment area for at least 7 days pre and post treatment. Prior to your first treatment you will need to stop tweezing, plucking, threading, and waxing the area for a minimum of two weeks. You must refrain from these removal methods during the remainder of your treatments. Tweezing, plucking, threading, and waxing can cause new unwanted hair growth. In between appointments you are only allowed to trim or shave the treatment area. Shaving does not stimulate hair growth nor cause the hair to grow darker or coarser. Shaving will help exfoliate the skin and release the treated hairs. Shave the treatment area 2-3 days prior to your appointment. The hair should be visible at the skin level so that the technician can assess your progress. Avoid shaving the area after a treatment for a minimum of one day or until the irritation dissipates. When treating the underarms, deodorant/anti-perspirants should be avoided the day of the treatment and for up to 24 hours post treatment. Antibiotics, oral and topical, should be avoided for a minimum of three days prior to your laser appointment. Glycolic acid, also known as alpha hydroxy acid, hydroxyacetic acid, or AHA, should be avoided the day of the treatment and for a minimum of one day prior to and one day post treatment. This acid is commonly found in antiaging cleansers, creams, and serums. Professional chemical peels should be avoided for one month pre and post treatment. Any prescription topical creams/ointments need to be discussed with your technician. Patients taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) must discontinue use for six (6) months prior to any laser treatment because of skin sensitivity. If applied to the treatment area, Retinol and Retin-A topicals must be discontinued for a minimum of 14 days prior to your first treatment and through the remainder of your treatments. Self-Tanning lotions, including gradual moisturizers, should be avoided for a minimum of 10 days prior to your appointment and must be completely faded from your skin to avoid risks of burns. Any changes in your medical history and/or medication regimen must be reported to your laser technician before your treatment. Fountain of Youth is not responsible for any adverse side effects that result from undocumented changes in the client’s medical history and/or medication regimen. Post Treatment Guidelines After the treatment, you can expect the treatment area to be pink and slightly swollen. Side effects are minimal; however you may experience redness, swelling, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and purpura (a purple bruise). This can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 days depending on the density of hair and individual patient. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call your technician at 937.723.9743. To avoid any additional irritation to the skin, avoid activities that promote sweating and excessive heat such as working out, hot showers/tubs, saunas, etc. for 24 hours. Applying a soothing moisturizing lotion such as Complex CU3 Post-Laser Lotion will help calm and heal the skin. The Complex CU3 Post-Laser Lotion provides the skin with essential copper peptides proven to aid in wound healing yet is lightweight enough to be worn under makeup. The treated hairs will naturally shed from the hair follicle within the next 7-14 days. A gentle exfoliation will help release the hairs. As your treatments progress, the hairs may take longer to shed. Contraindications: Accutane: Patients taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) must discontinue use for six (6) months prior to any laser treatment because of skin sensitivity. Diabetes: Patients with diabetes can be treated but will need to show proof of their HbA1c results being at a 7% or below every 3 months. The results can be faxed to our office at 937.496.5149. Epilepsy: Patients suffering from photosensitive epilepsy cannot undergo treatments. The directing physician will make the final decision on whether treatments are appropriate. Pregnancy: There are no studies that evaluate the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy. As health care providers, we recommend avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy because of the lack of information about the effect on the fetus. HPV: If you have ever had a wart on your hands, feet, genital/ cervix, or any other skin surface, the treatment cannot be done in that area and the lesion must be completely covered. This protocol is for the protection of the patient and technician. HSV: If you have ever had a cold sore, fever blister, genital herpes sore, etc., it is advised take an anti-viral for at least 3 days prior to and 3 days post treatment of the area to help suppress the risk of an outbreak. Studies have found that the combination of heat and light from the laser can trigger an outbreak in those patients who have the HSV virus in their body. By taking an anti-viral, you can lower your chance of an outbreak but it does not guarantee full prevention. Treatments cannot be performed on an active outbreak. Hypertrophic Scarring/Keloid Formation: Treatment of patients with a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation will be determined by the Medical Director because of possible problems in healing if skin damage is sustained. Photosensitive Drugs: Photosensitive drugs can be a contraindication of laser hair removal due to the increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet wavelengths which can result in burns and pigment changes. The Medical Director will determine if treatments are advisable based on the type of medication. If patient is taking an oral or topical antibiotic, it must be avoided for a minimum of 3 days prior to treatment. Retinol/Retin-A: If applied to the treatment area, Retinol and Retin-A topicals must be discontinued for a minimum of 14 days prior to your first treatment and through the remainder of your treatments. Tattoos/Permanent Cosmetics: The settings needed for laser hair removal cannot be used over any tattoos, permanent cosmetics, or permanent ink. Treatment over the pigmented area will result in blisters, burns, and/or permanent scarring. Our facility does offer Laser Tattoo Removal treatments performed by our directing physician using the Candela AlexTriVantage®. Consent to Laser Hair Removal Treatment Initial below: I understand that Laser Hair Removal is considered by the FDA as a Permanent Hair Reduction and the results are not guaranteed. A series of six treatments is recommended to achieve a permanent reduction and that additional treatments may be needed. Any changes in your medical history and/or medication regimen must be reported to your laser technician before your treatment. Fountain of Youth is not responsible for any adverse side effects that result from undocumented changes in the client’s medical history and/or medication regimen. I have read and received a copy of the Pre- and Post- Treatment Instructions. I understand that following these instructions will help optimize my treatment results and protect myself from any adverse reactions. I understand that the Fountain of Youth enforces a 24-hour Cancellation Notice for all appointments. Under this policy, the medical spa reserves the right to deducted one visit from your treatment package. Photographs of the treatment area will be taken for medical documentation only. By initialing this box, I choose to opt-out of photographs taken of the treatment area. I understand that without proper medical documentation I cannot hold Fountain of Youth responsible for adverse side effects and/or unsatisfactory results. Acknowledgement I, ___________________, fully understand the terms stated above for laser hair removal treatments. My questions regarding the procedure have been answered satisfactorily. I hereby release Fountain of Youth Medical Spa, LLC and its associates from all liabilities associated with the indicated procedures. _______________________ Patient/Guardian Print Name _______________________ Patient/Guardian Signature ___________________ Date _______________________ Staff Print Name _______________________ Staff Signature ___________________ Date