Guidance on Consent

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Prior to performing any treatment, the laser operator must receive written consent from the

client, who must be fully informed of the treatment procedure and specifics listed below, and

invited to ask any questions they may have.

• The effectiveness and limitations of the treatment

• Alternative treatment options

• The laser device and hand piece being used

• How the treatment works

• How the treatment is likely to feel

• Post treatment care and procedures

• Possible risks and side effects of treatment

• Management of skin/hair between treatments

 

It is important that the client fully understands the treatment and has realistic expectations of the treatment results. It is the responsibility of the operator to evaluate the client's suitability for treatment. If there is any doubt/concern regarding the client's age, medical history, mental health or physical

health, the operator should not proceed with treatment and refer the client to their GP to

obtain written consent of their suitability for treatment.

 

1. Informed Consent.

The purpose of this Informed Consent is to help you decide whether a laser cosmetic procedure is right for you and to help you make an informed decision to undergo this procedure. This Informed consent gives you general information about cosmetic laser procedures, explains other treatment options, and identifies the benefits, risks, side effects and possible complications associated with laser procedures.

 

2. Laser Hair Removal Procedure.

HR is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to remove unwanted hair from all parts of the body. The laser device works by emitting pulses of light energy that penetrate the skin and destroy hair follicles while the device's handpiece cools the surrounding skin. Because the laser needs to fill the hair follicle to work effectively, it is important not to wax, tweeze, have electrolysis procedures or pluck hair for 2-4 weeks prior to the procedure. You will be required to wear protective eye glasses during the procedure to protect your eyes from the laser light. You may feel a slight burning, stinging or pinching

sensation during the procedure. It generally takes 10 to 21 days after the procedure for the treated

hair to fall out. Treatment of dark course hair generally achieves the best results while removal of light fine hair generally requires additional treatments which may or may not be successful. Clinical results of HR may also vary depending on individual skin type, hormonal levels and hereditary influences. Therefore, some patients may experience partial results and some may notice no improvement at all. Future hormonal changes may cause additional hair growth. LHR procedure generally involves a series of treatments. Ideal (light skin/dark hair) candidates can usually achieve 65%-90% reduction with a series of 6 treatments. Thicker skinned areas such as men's backs, faces or neck usually require more than 6 sessions and usually achieve only partial reduction or hair thinning.

 

3. Alternative Procedures

HR is a voluntary cosmetic procedure which is not necessary or required.

 

4. Not Good Candidates.

You are generally not a suitable candidate for HR procedure if you:

• Are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant while undergoing HR treatments

• Have used Accutane within the past six months or any medications requiring limited exposure to sunlight

• Have recently tanned skin

• Blond or grey hair

• Sun exposure 2-4 weeks prior to treatment

• Unshaven prior to full treatment

Please refer to further contraindication of service in handbook.

 

5. Risks and Complications.

All medical and cosmetic procedures are associated with certain risks and may result in complications. Possible risks and complications associated with laser procedures include:

• Temporary reddening, burning, swelling, bruising or discoloration of the skin over the treated area.

• Blistering, scarring, activation of cold sores, infection or permanent discoloration, which may occur in rare cases. 

• Folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicle, which may take several days to resolve.

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), which may take several months to fully resolve

• Crusting or blistering of the area exposed to laser, which is rare and which may take several days to heal.

• As with all LHR procedures, some re-growth of hair may occur after treatment sessions are completed.

 

6. Post Procedure Instructions.

It is important that you comply with all post procedure instructions. In addition, it is important that you limit sun exposure after laser procedures and use protective sunscreen lotion.

Laser-treated areas should not be exposed to sun or tanning beds.

Not adhering to the post treatment skin care instructions may increase the risk of complications.

By signing Informed Consent, you understand and agree as follows:

• The information contained in the Informed Consent form was explained to me using terms I could understand, and all my questions and concerns have been answered.

• After reviewing all the information provided to me about cosmetic procedures and reviewing my health status, I believe I am a good candidate for a laser procedure.

• l understand that cosmetic laser services are an elective procedure and hereby freely accept all possible risks, complications and side effects that may result from this procedure.

• l acknowledge that lasers procedures will be performed by a properly trained and certified laser practitioner.

• I agree to return for any recommended follow up visits and follow all post-procedure instructions.

• I understand that no guarantees have been made to me regarding the outcome of the laser procedure.

• I will alert the staff if there are any future changes to my medical history, or if I become pregnant.

For further information on services and consent please refer to Treatment Protocols in the clinic handbook.