BBL Forever Bare Hair Removal Aftercare

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for Broad Band Light Treatment.  Please take the time to carefully read your post-treatment instructions below.

The following aftercare applies to BBL Forever Bare Hair Removal. 

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• In facial hair removal – use only gentle cleansers, hyaluronic acid/hydrating or soothing serums, gentle moisturisers, and SPF daily for 7 days. Active ingredients an be introduced after 7 days. 
• Strictly avoid ANY sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 14 days after a BBL treatment. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a sunblock with a protection factor of 50+. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post treatment.
• Mineral makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment as long as skin integrity has not been compromised. 
• Do not use fake tan or spray tan for 7 days. 
• Avoid washing the area with hot or cold water – only use tepid water. 
• Do not shave the area until the sensitivity has subsided. 
• Avoid swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas and ocean water for 72 hours or until sensitivity has subsided. 
• Avoid any heat inducing activities or strenuous exercise for 24hrs. 
• Do not pick or scratch the treated skin. This can lead to scarring, infection and pigment changes. 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

The listed below are all normal side effects of a BBL and should self-resolve within a few days to weeks. Please note that the severity of recovery and downtime is not an indication of the expected results and varies on a case by case basis.

• After the treatment, your skin may feel red, irritated and sensitive. A sunburn sensation in the treated area is also normal and expected
• Swelling may also be experienced in the first week. The severity of these temporary effects varies between individuals and can be mild to quite significant. Swelling can be minimal and last only a few hours, to severe lasting up to a week.
• Itching or hive-like appearance of the skin can occur (urticaria). 
• Micro-crusting/darkening of pigment may occur. This can last anywhere from a few days to over one week. The face heals much quicker than body areas such as the neck, chest and arms. 

More severe side effects may include:

• Blistering or ulceration of the skin. This is a rare side effect from the BBL treatment and must be managed urgently. Ensure you contact the clinic for immediate follow-up. 
• Infection such as reactivation of cold sores in those who are prone. 
• The above are consented risks for the procedure. 

If you experience any of the above severe complications, please contact the clinic on hello@youthlab.com.au or; (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross)  so we can arrange to examine the skin to ensure healing is adequate. 

For further information on how to manage these side effects, please see ‘Management’. 

MANAGEMENT

Redness 

Redness in the area of treatment is expected and can be combined with feeling hot and sensitive like a sunburn. This may last several hours or days, depending on the selected treatment. 

Redness relief

• Keeping the area cool / applying a cool compress. 
• Avoiding heat and exercise until resolved

Swelling

Swelling of the treated area is expected. Severity of swelling will vary from patient to patient and can range from minimal to severe. 

Those prone to asthma, allergies, increased sensitivities or taking certain medications may be more likely to experience significant swelling post treatment. Swelling is temporary and often will subside within 1-10 days. 

Swelling Relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area  for 10 minutes every hour on treatment day.
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• Try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated, to prevent pressure build-up on the face.
• In severe cases review can be arranged and oral steroids may be prescribed.
  

Urticaria / Hives

In rare cases, hives have been reported after BBL Corrective and hair removal treatments. If you experience an irritated raised rash after treatment contact the clinic. Antihistamines may be taken to help relieve the itchiness.

Urticaria, itching or hive-like appearance, is associated with the thermal light affecting the surrounding skin. This will subside within a few hours to days. 

Urticaria Relief

• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• Apply cool compress and avoid heat.
  

Blisters

Blisters may form up to 48 hours after treatment and can be more likely with Corrective and Vessel removal treatments. They are very rare after hair removal treatments. Other short term effects include superficial crusting, and discomfort. If these side effects occur please contact the clinic so we can examine the skin to ensure the healing process is adequate.

Blisters Relief

• An antibiotic cream may be advised by your practitioner if required. 
• A silicon wound protective cream such as Stratacel may be advised by your practitioner. 
• Other protective ointments and repair cream, advised specifically by your practitioner, can be used for comfort and healing. 
• Healite LED treatments can assist with the healing process
• If the skin is breached at all and review is not arranged for adequate management, there is a much higher risk of hyper/hypopigmentation, infection and superficial scarring. 
• Picking of the skin is to be avoided. 

FAQs

When should I get another treatment? 

Generally, 3-8 treatments may be needed every 4-6 weeks with treatment intervals again dependent on the area of the face/body that is treated. 90% of hair reduction can be achieved by 6 treatment sessions. 

As there may be residual hair follicles that have not been destroyed by the treatment, we recommend intermittent treatments every year or so after the initial treatment course. 

Please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross) if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.