Safety Check

All modalities

Do not treat

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Cancer, current treatment or undisclosed history without clearance
• Pacemaker or implanted electronic device
• Active infection, fever or open wounds in the area
• Blood clotting disorder or blood thinners without clearance
• Uncontrolled serious health condition
• Under the legal age for services in your area

Proceed with caution / clearance

• Recent surgery or cosmetic procedure in the area
• Diabetes or reduced skin sensation
• Autoimmune conditions
• Recent sun exposure or compromised skin barrier
• Client cannot clearly answer screening questions

Ultrasonic cavitation

Do not treat

• Liver or kidney disease without clearance
• Metal implants in the treatment area
• Hernia in the treatment area

Proceed with caution / clearance

• Very low body fat in the area
• History of easy bruising

Radiofrequency

Do not treat

• Any implanted electronic device
• Metal in the treatment area
• Reduced or absent sensation in the area

Proceed with caution / clearance

• Recent injectables
• Melasma or heat-sensitive pigment concerns
• Recent laser or peels

Vacuum therapy

Do not treat

• Varicose veins in the area
• Fragile or thinning skin
• Active clotting risk

Proceed with caution / clearance

• Easy bruising
• Recent injections or fillers in the area

Lipo laser / pads

Do not treat

• Photosensitivity or photosensitizing medication without clearance
• Open or irritated skin under pad placement

Proceed with caution / clearance

• Tattoos and pigmented lesions in the pad area
• Epilepsy — follow manufacturer guidance

When to stop treatment

• Pain, burning, sharp heat or a hot spot
• Blistering, blanching, welts or unusual redness
• Dizziness, nausea or the client feeling unwell
• New information that may be a contraindication
• Any device fault or abnormal behavior
• The client asks you to stop — always honor it immediately

Sanitation & infection control

• Disinfect handpieces, cups and pads between every client per manufacturer guidance
• Barrier the bed and use single-use items where possible
• Hand hygiene before gloving; change gloves between clients
• Launder linens after each client; store clean linens covered
• Never treat over broken skin or an active infection

Client screening

• Screen at every session, not only the first visit
• Ask about new medications, procedures, pregnancy and health changes
• Document the questions asked and the answers given
• If the client cannot answer clearly, do not proceed

Equipment safety

• Inspect cords, cups, pads and applicators before each day of service
• Use only the settings and durations approved by your instructor and manufacturer
• Never modify or bypass a device safety feature
• Log any fault and remove the device from service until resolved

Scope of practice

• These are cosmetic services — never diagnose, treat conditions or give medical advice
• Do not comment on a client's health condition or medications
• Know your state or local licensing and permitted-service requirements
• When in doubt, decline and refer

When to refer for medical evaluation

• Any lesion, lump, or skin change the client has not had evaluated
• Unexplained pain, swelling, numbness or discoloration
• A condition that requires written clearance before cosmetic services
• Anything outside your training or permitted scope

Emergency guidance

• Stop treatment and remove the device immediately
• Stay with the client and keep her calm and comfortable
• Call emergency services for any urgent medical symptom
• Document exactly what happened, when, and what you did
• Complete an incident report and notify your instructor or supervisor