Advanced aesthetics (microneedling, dermaplaning, laser/IPL) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Nerve irritation or dysesthesia — Identify key foramina/nerve paths; keep needle tips superficial or deep to avoid traversing trunks; stop if paraesthesia occurs and redirect. Prefer cannula near infraorbital/mental zones; record any symptoms and plan conservative follow-up.
• Device compliance and maintenance lapses — Use CE/UKCA-marked devices with current service logs; perform pre-use checks; update firmware per manufacturer; quarantine any unit with erratic output; maintain a register of assets, calibrations and user manuals accessible at point-of-use.
• Medical contraindications and timing conflicts — Screen for pregnancy, anticoagulants, autoimmune disease, recent laser/surgery, isotretinoin, photosensitisers and active infection. Adapt, defer or refer as needed; record clinician clearances and timing before resuming advanced work.
• RF or HIFU burns and deep structure injury — Map safe zones, couple properly with gel, confirm cartridge depth/energy, avoid thyroid, carotid and orbital areas, and don’t stack passes without cooling intervals. Stop at hot spots and document settings for reproducibility.
• Ocular injury during energy treatments — Fit wavelength-rated goggles or intra-ocular shields for peri-ocular work; confirm seal before firing. Never treat across unshielded lids; angle beams away from canthus; stop and irrigate immediately after any accidental flash.