Complications, Contraindications, and Client Safety
Recognizing problems
Common reactions include erythema, mild edema, and transient discomfort. Complications include pitting, scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, and infection. Recognize over-treatment signs early: blanching, excessive swelling, or crusting.
Contraindications may include active infection, certain skin conditions, recent isotretinoin use, pacemakers (for some modalities), pregnancy precautions, and bleeding disorders. Some are absolute, some relative; document and refer when needed.
Traps in questions
- Erythema is expected; pitting and scarring are not.
- A pacemaker is a caution, not automatically a permanent bar, but requires medical guidance.
- Post-treatment pigment change can be temporary or permanent; prevention is conservative settings.
- Referral is appropriate when findings exceed scope.
Rule of thumb
"When in doubt, under-treat and refer." Conservative settings and early recognition prevent most complications.