Why qualification matters
The device delivers energy to the skin — light, high-frequency current, ultrasound or heat. If the client has a skin condition, a systemic illness or takes a medication that changes tissue response, the same parameter can produce a different, hard-to-predict effect.
Qualification answers three questions: can the treatment go ahead now, does it need to be postponed, and is a medical consultation needed. The answer is reached before the first pulse, not during it.
The intake interview
A fixed set of questions makes visits comparable and reduces the risk of missing something. Ask about: chronic and autoimmune conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer and its treatment, pregnancy and breastfeeding, pacemakers or electronic implants, keloid tendency, recurrent herpes, recent sun and solarium exposure, medications and supplements, previous treatments in the area, and active cosmetics in use.
Record the answers in the client card with the date. Treat a verbal 'all fine' as the start of questions, not the end of the topic.
Absolute contraindications
These are cases where the treatment does not go ahead regardless of parameters — usually: an active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, a fresh tan for light-based work, skin cancer in the working area, pregnancy for most energy technologies, uncontrolled systemic illness, and the client not consenting to the treatment terms.
Some depend on the technology: pacemakers and electronic implants matter for RF, and photosensitising drugs and conditions for IPL and lasers.
Relative contraindications
With relative contraindications, treatment may be possible after rescheduling, adjusting parameters, a medical consultation or a test patch on a small area. This applies to retinoid use, recent exfoliating treatments, a history of herpes, a tendency to hyperpigmentation, anticoagulants or unstable diabetes.
A decision to work despite a relative contraindication is documented: what prompted it, which parameters were lowered and what advice was given.
Test patch and observation
For a new client, a new device or an uncertain skin reaction, do a test on a small, inconspicuous area and assess the reaction after the time appropriate to the technology. The test does not replace the interview — it adds the real response of the skin to the chosen settings.
Documenting the decision
The client card should hold: the date, the completed interview, the qualification outcome (treat / postpone / refer), the parameters used or the reason for declining, photos of the area, and signed consent to the terms and data processing.
Summary
A fixed interview, a clear split into absolute and relative contraindications, a test patch and honest documentation are the foundation of safe energy-based work. This skill is practised on every OG Academy course, on a specific technology and real cases.