Contraindications

A contraindication is the opposite of indication, which is a reason to use a certain treatment. It is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a treatment due to the harm that it would cause the client. You need to be aware of the contraindications to both protect yourself and your client from potential negative impacts.

General contraindications

• Significant medical history of an active illness, malignancy (cancer) or terminal disease, severe liver disease, severe hyperlipidaemia (blood fats)

• Thromboembolic disorders (clotting disorders)

• Unrealistic expectations

• Rapid weight gain or loss

Treatment contraindications

• Cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

• Known sensitivity to cold such as cold urticaria or Raynaud’s disease

• Impaired peripheral circulation in the area to be treated

• Neuropathic disorders such as post-herpetic neuralgia or diabetic neuropathy

• Impaired skin sensation

• Open or infected wounds

• Bleeding disorders or concomitant use of blood thinners

• Recent surgery or scar tissue in the area to be treated

• A hernia or history of hernia in the area to be treated

• Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or rashes

• Pregnancy or lactation

• Active implanted device such as pacemaker or defibrillator

Considerations

• Avoid treating areas with stretch marks, recent scars (of less than one year), keloid scars, hernia, active psoriasis or any epidermal lesion.

• Avoid doing the procedure after recent aesthetic treatments that could irritate the skin (laser treatments, cavitation, chemical peels etc.)