LASER HAIR REMOVAL INFORMED CONSENT
1. Informed Consent. The purpose of this Informed Consent is to help you decide whether a laser hair removal (“LHR”) 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 LHR cosmetic procedures, explains other treatment options, and identifies the benefits, risks, side effects and possible complications associated with LHR procedure.
2. Laser Hair Removal Procedure. LHR 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 LHR 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 mens backs, faces or neck usually require more than 6 sessions and usually achieve only partial reduction or hair thinning.
3. Alternative Procedures. LHR is a voluntary cosmetic procedure which is not necessary or required.
4. Not Good Candidates. Generally you are not a good candidate for LHR procedure if you are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant while undergoing LHR treatments. Individuals who have used Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the past six months or who used any medications requiring limited exposure to sunlight are not good candidates for LHR procedure. Individuals with recently tanned skin are advised to delay undergoing the LHR procedure. The laser may not be effective on blond or gray hair. Sun exposure 2-4 weeks prior to treatment may reduce effectiveness of the laser. It is important to shave the area prior to treatment session. Please inform us if you have any allergy.
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 LHR procedure include:
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. Please inform us if you have ever had a problem with cold sores.
- Folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicle, which may take several days to resolve.
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), which rare 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 the LHR procedure and use protective sunscreen lotion. Please call your doctor promptly if complications develop after the procedure. 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 this Informed Consent, you understand and agree as follows:
- The information contained in this Informed Consent by Padra Medical Center 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 LHR procedure.
- I understand that LHR is an elective procedure and hereby freely accept all possible risks, complications and side effects that may result from this procedure.
- I acknowledge that LHR procedure will be performed by an employee of Padra Medical Center, who is properly trained and certified in its usage.
- I certify that I am competent adult of at least 18 years of age.
- 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 LHR procedure.
- This consent form is valid for all future laser hair removal treatments performed, and if I will alert the staff if there are any future changes to my medical history, or if I become pregnant.
- Requires multiple treatment sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart; treatments often not permanent ➔ goal is “reduction, rather than removal.
- Regarding the beard line (Male), it is defined according to the client’s specific request and preference, with an initial outline recommended to be done at the barber. The line will then be marked for protection with a white pencil by the laser technician, who will apply appropriate safeguards to ensure the desired line remains unchanged. Before beginning the procedure, the client will be asked to confirm the line by looking in a mirror.
