TREATMENT SAFETY & SUITABILITY

The right treatment for the right person at the right time. Professional treatments are not suitable for everybody in every circumstance. At DH Medical, treatment suitability is considered individually. A treatment that may be entirely appropriate for one client may need to be adapted, delayed or avoided for another. A

The right treatment for the right person at the right time.

Professional treatments are not suitable for everybody in every circumstance.

At DH Medical, treatment suitability is considered individually.

A treatment that may be entirely appropriate for one client may need to be adapted, delayed or avoided for another.

Assessment and professional judgement are therefore an important part of The DH Standard.

WHY SUITABILITY MATTERS

Professional skin treatments can interact with:

  • Existing skin conditions
  • Medication
  • Medical conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Allergies
  • Recent procedures
  • Active infections
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Current skincare ingredients
  • Previous treatment reactions

For this reason, relevant information may be requested before treatment proceeds.

YOUR CONSULTATION

Consultation allows your practitioner to identify factors that may influence treatment.

You may be asked about:

  • Your skin history
  • Current concerns
  • Allergies
  • Prescription and non-prescription medication
  • Previous aesthetic or skin procedures
  • Active skincare ingredients
  • Sensitivity
  • Current or recent medical treatment
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant
  • Previous adverse reactions

Please answer consultation questions as accurately as possible.

MEDICATION

Certain medications can affect skin sensitivity, wound healing or the suitability of professional procedures.

This does not automatically mean treatment cannot take place.

It does mean your practitioner needs to know what you are currently taking.

Where there is uncertainty, treatment may be postponed until appropriate advice or clarification is obtained.

PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

Some professional treatments and active ingredients may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Treatment options may therefore need to be modified.

Please inform your practitioner if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding so that appropriate treatment decisions can be made.

ACTIVE SKIN CONDITIONS

Treatment may need to be postponed where there is:

  • Active infection
  • Open or broken skin
  • Significant inflammation
  • Active cold sores
  • Severe irritation
  • Unexplained rash
  • Significant flare-up of an existing skin condition

The priority is always to avoid unnecessarily aggravating compromised skin.

SENSITISED SKIN

Skin does not have to have a diagnosed condition to be too reactive for advanced treatment.

Excessive use of exfoliating acids, retinoids, scrubs or other active products can compromise the skin barrier.

Where this is identified, the first stage may involve simplifying homecare and allowing the skin to recover.

More advanced treatment can then be considered once the skin is in a better condition.

RECENT PROCEDURES

Please tell your practitioner about any recent professional or aesthetic procedures.

This can include:

  • Chemical peels
  • Microneedling
  • Laser treatment
  • Injectable treatments
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Waxing
  • Professional exfoliation
  • Other advanced facial treatments

Appropriate spacing between procedures can be important for skin recovery.

ACTIVE SKINCARE

Certain homecare ingredients may need to be paused before or after professional treatment.

Examples can include:

  • Retinoids
  • Exfoliating acids
  • Strong active serums
  • Prescription topical treatments

The exact guidance depends on the procedure and individual skin.

Your practitioner will advise you where changes are required.

PATCH TESTING

Certain treatments or products may require patch testing before use.

Where this applies, the required test must be completed within the appropriate timeframe before treatment can proceed.

Patch testing helps reduce risk but cannot guarantee that a reaction will never occur.

CHEMICAL PEELS

Professional chemical peels vary significantly in formulation and intensity.

Suitability depends on factors including:

  • Skin type
  • Skin condition
  • Current sensitivity
  • Treatment history
  • Medication
  • Homecare
  • The concern being treated

Visible peeling is not used as a measure of whether a treatment has been successful.

The objective is controlled professional resurfacing.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling creates controlled microchannels within the skin and requires appropriate assessment.

Treatment may not be suitable where there is active infection, certain inflammatory skin conditions, active acne in the treatment area, impaired healing or other relevant contraindications.

The intensity and depth of treatment should be selected according to the individual.

LED LIGHT THERAPY

Professional LED is non-invasive, but suitability still needs to be considered.

Certain medications and conditions can increase sensitivity to light.

Clients should disclose relevant medical information before treatment.

DERMAPLANING

Dermaplaning may not be appropriate over active inflammatory acne, infection, significant irritation or compromised skin.

A visual assessment should be carried out before the procedure begins.

WHEN TREATMENT MAY BE POSTPONED

There are occasions when the correct professional decision is to wait.

Treatment may be delayed where:

  • The skin needs time to recover
  • Preparation has not been completed
  • A recent procedure requires additional healing time
  • A contraindication needs clarification
  • The skin is unusually reactive
  • Another professional assessment would be more appropriate

Postponing treatment protects the skin and does not represent a failure of the treatment journey.

WHEN WE MAY RECOMMEND MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

Cosmetic skin treatment does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Where a practitioner identifies a concern that appears to require assessment beyond the scope of professional cosmetic skin care, you may be advised to seek appropriate medical advice.

This may include new, unexplained or concerning skin changes or conditions requiring medical management.

RESULTS & INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE

No professional treatment produces exactly the same response in every person.

Temporary effects such as redness, warmth, sensitivity, dryness or flaking may occur after certain treatments.

More significant adverse reactions are less common but remain possible.

Your practitioner will explain relevant expected effects and aftercare according to the treatment being performed.

AFTERCARE IS PART OF SAFETY

Following appropriate aftercare helps support recovery.

Depending on the treatment, you may be advised to:

  • Avoid strong active ingredients
  • Avoid excessive heat
  • Avoid intensive exercise temporarily
  • Keep the skin hydrated
  • Avoid picking or scratching
  • Protect the skin from sun exposure
  • Use broad-spectrum SPF

If you experience an unexpected response following treatment, please contact DH Medical.

CHANGES BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS

Treatment suitability can change.

Please update your practitioner if anything relevant has changed since your last appointment, including:

  • Medication
  • Health
  • Pregnancy
  • Skin condition
  • New allergies
  • Recent procedures
  • Adverse reactions

Previous suitability does not automatically guarantee that the same treatment remains appropriate indefinitely.

THE DH STANDARD

Treatment safety is not a separate part of the DH Medical experience.

It is embedded within it.

Assess carefully. Treat appropriately. Review intelligently.

From consultation through to aftercare, professional judgement should guide every stage.

Understand the skin first.