Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing – How to best prepare for your appointment and aftercare instructions post treatment

For best results from your non-ablative laser resurfacing treatment, follow our expect doctor advice in our pre and post procedure instructions.

Before Procedure:

4 weeks prior to the treatment-

• Please inform the doctor if you have taken Roaccutane (oral acne medication) in the past 6 month.
• Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds.
• Do not use fake tans.

1 week prior to the treatment-

• Discontinue any irritative topical actives such as Tretinoin, Retinol, AHA/BHA, Vitamin C.
• Do not use any medication that causes photosensitivity such as Tetracycline or Minocycline.
• Do not wax, thread, or tweeze hair from the treatment area.
• Do not use depilatory creams or bleach hair in the treatment area.
• Do not have electrolysis on the treatment area.
• Reduce sun exposure.

2 days prior to the treatment-

• Do not take anti-inflammatory medicine.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

 

What To Expect Following Procedure:

• Mild swelling and erythema associate with mild sunburn-like sensation for up to 2-3 days post treatment.
• Pigmented lesions (brown spots and freckles) usually darken after the treatment and mild crusting begins to form within a few days. Micro crust will gradually flake off over the next 2-3 weeks.
• If you develop purplish discoloration or bruising, this may last for 1-2 weeks
• Anticipate some social downtime following your treatment (3-5 days)

 

After Procedure:

• Apply a wrapped cool compress or wrapped ice pack to the treatment areas for 10 minutes every 1-2 hours as needed to reduce post treatment swelling and redness.
• Use mild cleanser twice daily for 3-5 days, and do not rub the skin vigorously.
• Use regular non-occlusive hydrating cream to keep treatment area hydrated until your skin has resumed normal function (5-7 days).
• Avoid hot baths, sauna, sweat inducing exercise for 2-3 days.
• Strict sun protection and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50+ for 4 weeks after your treatment.
• Avoid harsh topical products such as AHAs, BHAs, vitamin A for at least 7 days.
• May resume wearing makeup as normal 2 days after the procedure. Make sure makeup brushes are clean and there are no crusts or scabs on skin before you resume cosmetics.
• Do not scratch, pick, pull at or abrade the treated skin. If a crust or scab occurs, you can apply topical wound gel or antibiotic ointment twice daily until it comes off naturally.
• Avoid shaving and waxing in the areas of treatment for 7 days.

Caution 

Please Contact Your Doctor Immediately if You Experience: 

• Signs of infection – increased skin redness, heat, tenderness, or surface exudate within 48hours post treatment 
• Signs of blistering and pain 
• Appearance of herpes simplex infection