Laser Hair Removal Consent Form

Brief Information 

Laser hair removal involves the use of a non-invasive laser device for the reduction of facial or body hair. This works on the hairs that are in the active stage of growth and thus, it does not work on dormant hairs. The procedure for this requires more than one session. Please take note as well that the hair removal session may vary per individual depending on the amount of hair, density, or color. However, on average, we recommend minimum 6 - 8 sessions. Laser hair removal is not completely permanent and revisits may be needed for maintenance.

How Hair Removal device Works?

Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair permanently by targeting and damaging the root of the hair. The laser itself is attracted to pigment or color. Assuming there is a good contrast between the skin and the hair, the laser damages the root and leaves behind a small stem. Over the next 2-3 weeks, it will appear as if the hairs are growing when actually the skin is naturally pushing this stem up and out. If you were to pull at these hairs with your fingers (not tweezers) 2-3 weeks after the treatment these hairs slide out with no resistance at all. Once these hairs fall out there will be a period where there is very little hair. With a new cycle of hair growth approximately 6 to 8 weeks for the body and 4 to 6 weeks for the face, you would be coming in for your next treatment.

The reason why you would require more than one treatment is there are different cycles of hair growth. Ideally, we want to be able to attack the hair during the active stage of hair growth (anagen stage) which is when the hair follicle has a full root. Because we don’t know which hairs are in the right stage at one time, that is the only reason why you would need more than one treatment. Normally 6-8 treatments are required for best results. Popular treatment areas include the underarms, legs, bikini area, upper lip, chin, and men’s backs and shoulders to mention a few. Laser hair removal generally works best for areas where the hair is dark and/or coarse. The number of laser hair removal treatments varies based on one's ethnic background or skin type as well as the area, treated. 

The number of laser hair removal treatments varies based on one's ethnic background or skin type, as well as the area treated. 

Hair Growth Cycle:

It can take six to twelve weeks for a hair to grow from the papilla to the surface of the skin.

Every hair in our body goes through the three phases of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. At any given time about 85%-90% of your hair is in the Anagen phase (active stage), 1-2% is in the Catagen phase (transitional stage), and 10-14% is in the Telogen phase (resting stage). 

The Anagen phase is the best time to target as the hair is well situated in the follicle for the IPL to seek and destroy.

Due to the different cycles, 6-8 treatments are recommended on average, spaced out according to the growth cycle. The time it takes to complete a full program varies from person to person and the location of the hair on the body, but is typically 12-24 months.

Preparatory Care Procedures

Prior to undergoing treatment, one must avoid over-exposure to sunlight or using tanning treatments. Prepare this at least a month prior to the treatment date.

It is likewise necessary to have the area to be treated shaved a day prior the appointment date. If the area is not shaved we may shave the area with an additional fee.

Please do not wax, tweeze, or use hair-removing creams that can affect in greatly decreasing the efficacy of laser hair removal treatments.

It is recommended to check with us if the patient is taking any medications. There are those that can affect the skin's photosensitivity and therefore can be dangerous when undergoing any laser treatment.

 

Potential Risks and Expectations

The following are possible risks that patients may experience with the hair removal treatment:

Minor wounds. Laser hair removal treatment can result in blistering, flaking of the skin, or sometimes swelling on the surface of the treated skin areas. In such cases, it is recommended that the area should heal first prior to undergoing another treatment.

Discomfort. Patients may experience discomfort during the treatment. Please take note that this is a normal occurrence. 

Pigment changes. There is the possibility that there might be a darkening or lightening of the color of the skin during the healing process. This is usually temporary but on rare occasions, it can be permanent.

Eye exposure. Exposure to the eye with lasers can lead to temporary or permanent eye damage. However, please take note that we will provide eye protection during the treatment period. Please keep the protection on during the treatment and do not remove it unless allowed by us.

Scar. Scarring might occur in rare instances, especially if the prior or post procedures are not complied with. Thus, it is important that the pre and post-procedural treatment guidelines are carefully followed.

Post Care Instructions

Avoid scratching, touching, or picking on your skin's treated area as this may get irritated or infected. Avoid any tanning lotion or being exposed under the sun for long periods within the first 3 days after treatment. This may cause hyper pigmentation on the treated area.

I hereby authorize the clinic to perform laser hair removal on me. I understand the risks involved in the procedure and I understand that I may need to undergo several treatments in order to obtain my desired results. I understand the pre and post-treatment procedures needed for me to comply with upon undergoing the laser hair removal treatment. I have asked questions which are unclear to me and I have received explanation about them to my satisfaction. I declare that I am of legal age and can exercise this consent with full discretion and responsibility to being legally bound under the terms and conditions of the treatment.