Preparing for Laser and Light-Based Treatments

Proper preparation before laser, BBL, IPL and photodynamic therapy treatments helps reduce the risk of complications such as burns, pigment changes, delayed healing or treatment postponement.

These are shared preparation points. Your clinician’s instructions for the specific procedure take priority; not every restriction applies to every type of light treatment.

These instructions apply to procedures including:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Fractional laser
• BBL / IPL
• Low level light therapy (LLLT / LED therapy)
• Other laser or light-based treatments performed at Spot Check Clinic

Follow the timing and product instructions provided for your treatment. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from your prescribing doctor. Apply numbing cream only if we have instructed you how and when to use it.

Four Weeks Before Treatment

Try to keep the treatment area free from recent sun exposure.

• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to exposed skin
• Avoid solariums and tanning supplements
• Do not apply fake tan to the treatment area
• Avoid heavily pigmented skincare or cosmetic products

Excess pigment in the skin increases the risk of burns and post-treatment pigmentation.

Three Days Before Treatment

Stop using active skincare products that may increase skin sensitivity.

Avoid:

• Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, vitamin A)
• Vitamin C serums
• AHAs and BHAs
• Exfoliating acids
• Essential oils
• Irritating or active skincare products

The skin should be calm, intact and non-irritated before treatment.

If you are taking medication that increases light sensitivity (for example doxycycline), discuss with your prescribing doctor whether it should be paused prior to treatment.

On the Day of Treatment

• Wash the treatment area with a gentle cleanser
• Do not apply makeup, perfume, deodorant or skincare products to the treatment area
• If instructed, apply numbing cream and cover with film before arrival
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin

Photosensitising Medications

Some medications increase the skin’s sensitivity to light and may increase the risk of adverse reactions following laser, BBL or photodynamic therapy.

Examples include:

• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline)
• Isotretinoin (recent or current use)
• Certain diuretics
• Some herbal supplements

If you take medications that may cause photosensitivity, discuss this with your prescribing doctor before your appointment. We will also review your medication list during consultation to ensure treatment is safe.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Most laser, BBL and photodynamic therapy treatments are deferred during pregnancy.

Low level light therapy may be suitable in some circumstances.

Please inform us if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, so suitability can be assessed.

Treatment-Specific Notes

Cold Sores (HSV)

If you have a history of cold sores and treatment is planned around the mouth (for example fractional laser, BBL/IPL or PDT), please inform us before your appointment.

Preventative antiviral medication may be prescribed to reduce the risk of a flare.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Some patients may be asked to prepare the skin in advance by clearing heavy scale or crusting.

BBL / IPL

Strict avoidance of sun exposure before treatment is essential to reduce the risk of burns and pigment changes.

Before your appointment

Contact us if you have a recent tan, irritated or broken skin, an infection, a change in medication or a history of cold sores that we have not discussed. We can advise whether preparation or timing needs to change.