What to expect when you visit for a Patch Test and Consultation.
Step 1 – We check all of your medical history
Initially, our skincare specialist will check all of your details and medical information to assess if you are suitable for Laser Hair Removal. They will also explain the costs, how your treatment would be carried out, what to expect and address any questions and concerns you may have. Once all details have been checked they will carry out a patch test.
Step 2 – We do a patch test
A patch test is quick and straightforward. It simply means we will treat a small area of skin with the laser. This will be done in the area you are considering for treatment and you MUST have hair growth in this area.
Step 3 – We explain the treatment options to you
Once we know you are suitable for treatment and have all of the information you need, we will offer you the option to purchase a course of treatments and book in for your first treatment. Your first treatment can be booked for 7 days after your patch test.
Prior to booking you in for a consultation we will ask you the following questions:
- Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy within the next 12 months?
We cannot treat during pregnancy (which causes hormonal changes) so we would advise you to make contact after having your baby. If someone is trying to conceive, we would ask them to take a pregnancy test before every treatment.
2. Do you have an active tan in the area you would like treated?
An active tan is classed as sun exposure with tan or a fake tan within the last 4 weeks. We are unable to patch test an area with an active tan so you would need to wait at least 4 weeks before we could offer you a consultation and patch test.
3. Are you under any medical supervision?
We will ask about your medical history. This information is really important as there are medical conditions that would prevent you from being treated. If we are unsure of your medical history or feel concerned, we may ask you to check with a Doctor or Consultant prior to proceeding to a full consultation and patch test.
- Are you on any medication?
This is similar to the previous question. We want all of our treatments to be safe and we will always be cautious if we feel you may not be suitable for treatment.
Once we have covered all of the above questions, we are ready to proceed and book you in for a patch test and consultation. We will advise you that you MUST have hair growth in the patch test area.
Patch Test – what to look for and tell us about.
A test patch is carried out to determine the treatment parameters and to judge how your skin might react to a full treatment. A test patch is a small trial in an area with similar hair and skin to the treatment site and allows the practitioner to assess how well the light energy is being absorbed and whether the skin is responding as would be expected. It takes a few minutes to do and will give you the opportunity to experience a very small amount of lasering!
You will be asked to make a note of any redness or swelling after the patch test, although these are normal. Please also advise if the skin blistered or felt excessively hot and for how long.
