Laser treatments use medical-grade equipment that may cause side effects on your skin such as rashes and burns, so we conduct a patch test prior to your actual procedure in order to assess how both you and your hair will respond. Our master esthetician will assess this before performing treatment.
Patch tests should be conducted in an inconspicuous area such as behind the ear to ensure any pigmentation issues can be quickly and efficiently corrected.
What is a patch test?
Patch tests provide a safe way of determining whether you’re allergic to any of the potential chemicals used during laser treatment. They’re performed in salons or clinics and involve taping several patches containing various chemicals onto your back for 48 hours; sponge baths should be taken during this time to reduce sweating that might dislodge patches from being applied correctly. A reading will then be taken and your patches removed so your practitioner can identify potential triggers which might cause reactions during full sessions.
As part of their patch testing regimen, patients should also avoid exercise and bathing in order to minimize dislodging of patches from skin which could result in false negatives. Showering as usual is fine; just avoid scrubing this area to ensure accurate testing results.
Patch tests are generally straightforward and painless procedures. Before beginning, a master esthetician will clean and disinfect the test area on your skin – either near the ear or neck depending on which laser laser system you’re being tested with.
Wait two weeks before going back to see your master esthetician with the results of your patch test. In that time, observe any skin issues near the test area that might indicate anything abnormal; should anything seem amiss, notify him/her immediately.
Once your master esthetician has reviewed the immediate result of your patch test, they should be able to give an approximate idea of how your skin may respond during laser treatment. Redness and irritation should not be too uncomfortable or interfere with daily activities; if any severe or abnormal reactions arise then avoidance should occur immediately.
Patch tests are an integral component of any laser treatment. They enable your practitioner to ensure that the correct settings have been used for your skin type and hair colour, and allows you to experience what the laser feels like so that your first appointment goes more smoothly and you know what to expect.
Why do I need a patch test?
Patch testing should always be carried out prior to undertaking laser or light procedures, in order to determine your skin sensitivity to treatment or whether there will be an adverse reaction from it. People with higher Fitzpatrick skin tones are particularly at risk of hyperpigmentation after treatments are carried out, so this testing must also be performed.
Patch tests should be carried out in a small area behind your ear so that, should any sensitivities or reactions arise, they can be treated quickly before spreading across your entire face and body. It is wise to conduct your patch test where you intend to have laser hair removal treatment done for maximum effectiveness.
Although patch testing offers many advantages, it cannot always guarantee accurate results. There may be certain substances which don’t usually cause reactions in most people but could still appear on a test. Therefore it is essential that you provide as much detail about your medical history and allergies as possible in your history assessment process.
Before starting any treatment plan, it is advised to conduct a patch test at least 3-4 days beforehand in order to allow any adverse side effects time to develop and then subside by the treatment start date. This way you will ensure any slow-developing side effects have had sufficient time to resolve by then.
Patch tests are relatively painless and safe; they’re an excellent way to gauge what it will be like having laser treatment; many clients are pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable they can be!
Laser patch tests are free, however an appointment needs to be scheduled with us in advance. You can do this either by clicking the button below or calling directly – our master estheticians have extensive knowledge in treating laser treatments so rest assured that both your patch test and first session will go smoothly!
What will happen during a patch test?
As part of your patch test, you will be required to come in without makeup and cover the area where your treatment will be applied with something such as a towel. This will ensure there are no products on your skin which could trigger an adverse reaction with laser therapy. During a consultation session with one of our master estheticians, they will carefully evaluate where in your face or body you would like a laser procedure performed and gather an extensive medical history file so they can assess any reactions or health conditions that might compromise its results or effectiveness.
Patch tests should be conducted three or four days prior to starting full laser hair removal sessions, in order to allow any slow developing side effects enough time to surface and your practitioner can make necessary changes that reduce or mitigate them as part of your course of treatments – this may help minimise potential negative reactions while increasing chances of successful and efficient treatments.
Lasers have come a long way over the past decade, enabling people of all skin tones and types to undergo hair removal, facial contouring and more with laser technology. Certain laser and light-based treatments may cause burns, welts, rashes or scarring when performed improperly; at Northwest Face & Body our master esthetician can assess whether you are safe to undergo specific laser or light treatments by conducting a patch test to assess whether or not one may cause adverse reactions on the skin.
Patch tests should be done before beginning any laser or light-based treatments on your body and they should cover a small, inconspicuous area that won’t easily draw attention from others if hyperpigmentation issues appear there. Common test areas include behind your ears as it won’t likely draw much notice by others should any hyperpigmentation issues surface there.
One of our expert estheticians will be happy to discuss a patch test and treatment options during a complimentary skin consultation, including how it feels, any side effects it might cause and any questions or concerns you might have about them. They can explain everything from its purpose to any side effects.
How long will a patch test take?
Patch testing typically lasts a week and involves seeing your dermatologist three times within that week. At each appointment, patches containing various chemicals will be taped onto the back of your skin for 48 hours before removal at another visit. Patients should remain dry during this period by not taking sponge baths or engaging in activities that produce heavy sweating.
After taking off the patch test, your dermatologist will examine the area for signs of an adverse reaction. A positive reaction typically manifests itself in red or swollen patches that itch; any attempt at scratching may dislodge and further irritate the skin, so instead try using topical antihistamine cream or lotion to soothe its itching.
A dermatologist will evaluate how severe an allergy is by observing its size and duration. They’ll also take into account any factors that might have contributed to it, like an ingredient used in an item you were using or previous exposure. They’ll rate any positive reaction as either definitive, probable, or possible and whether it occurred at patch test time or post exposure.
If your allergic reaction is positive, an allergist will provide advice to reduce symptoms and help prevent future episodes. This may involve switching your beauty products for milder alternatives or changing cleaning detergent, as well as speaking to your employer about decreasing exposure time to certain chemicals.
As it may impact the accuracy of your results, it’s essential to inform a dermatologist of any medications you are taking – including over-the-counter antihistamines, certain heartburn medicines and herbal supplements. Furthermore, showering or washing the area marked with ink prior to and throughout your test is strongly advised since sweat can dislodge it and alter its results significantly.
