There are several reasons why some patients are not suitable for laser hair or tattoo removal. Firstly, anyone hypersensitive to light is not suitable. Several medications can cause these include:
Anti-depressants like Prozac;
Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen (Paracetamol is safe);
Many antibiotics

Patients with lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal healthy tissue, can have photosensitivity and therefore should not have laser hair removal.

Patients on gold therapy for arthritis and those taking anti-coagulants are unsuitable for laser therapy. So are women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. They should wait until they have had the baby before starting a course of treatment.

Anyone applying glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid should stop these medications before having laser hair removal. Those applying hydroquinone and other bleaching creams on the skin should stop a few days before the treatment starts, and anyone taking medications for acne such as Accutane, Isotretinoin, Retin-A should stop the medication six months before laser treatment.

NOTE: Please email if taking medication before booking your consultation.