It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You should use a cold compress or cold water mist as needed. You may also expect to experience redness and / or purpura (epidermal bleeding) within the treated area for 5-7 days.

Bathing / Activities: Avoid bathing with very hot water, strenuous exercise, and massage for 2–3 days post laser skin care treatment.

Washing: Wait at least 12 hours (next morning) to wash your face. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Use the cleanser for the duration of the healing process. DO NOT use any scrubs or irritants such as Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide or any astringents. Skin always should be patted dry and NOT rubbed.

Hydrating: Apply Aquaphor on the treated area (avoid getting inside the eyes) a few times a day to keep the skin well moisturized.  Leave the Healing Ointment or Aquaphor on while sleeping, and steam in the shower the following morning. Starting on day 4 you can use a warm wash cloth in large, gentle circular motions to remove the ointment. Remember – DO NOT SCRUB. Avoid use of any other moisturizing products (lotions, serums, liquid sunscreens, etc.) for at least 5 days. Using these products will prevent your skin from peeling and may hinder the full benefits of the laser skin rejuvenation procedure.

Makeup: Makeup should not be used for at least 5 days post treatment. Most makeup is moisturizing, which can sometimes prevent the peeling process. If makeup is absolutely needed, we recommend using new makeup to reduce the possibility of infection.

YOU’RE GORGEOUS! YOU DON’T NEED MAKEUP! AND IT AGES THE SKIN!

No Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1–2 months post treatment in order to reduce the chance of dark or light spots. A powdered mineral makeup can be worn during the healing process as a sunscreen, but make sure the makeup is new and the brush is clean. Liquid sunscreens are not enough, or recommended. Sun exposure delays the process of healing. Sun exposure can cause damage to the healing skin and cause undue pigmentation and textural changes that may be lasting.

NO SMOKING!!!!: Smoking increases the risk of post-surgical complications. DO NOT smoke for 48 hours prior to and at least 7 days post the treatment, otherwise healing time may be prolonged.

Medications (if prescribed): Do not discontinue your P meds unless you have been instructed to do so by your physician.

Other procedures: Avoid tweezing, waxing, bleaching or chemical peels during the course of the healing process.

Discomfort: You may experience discomfort, a burning sensation, or pain during the first few days. This pain may persist for several days. If pain persists, call our office.

Redness of Skin: Differs between procedure. Is expected with all laser treatments.

Wound Healing: Oozing, weeping, crusting and flakiness of the treated area is RARE but may persist for the first week. Gently wash the area with cool soaks, and a mixture of hydrogen peroxide wash (Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 6 oz of water and use in spray bottle) & continue with a healing ointment.

Skin Tightness: Sensation of skin tightness may occur (peaks at 3–8 weeks post treatment).

Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis (irritation) may occur due to the post treatment use of topical preparations (ointments).

Herpes Simplex Dermatitis (Fever Blisters): Occurrence or recurrence of herpes simplex dermatitis is also a possible short-term effect, particularly if it is not pre-, intra-, and post- operatively treated with a systemic antiviral medication such as Valtrex. Please inform us of your history before we begin treatment.

Skin Itchiness: Pruritus or itching in the early healing phase may occur. Using healing ointment will help. Or you may take a 25 mg Benadryl (if your personal doctor has recommended it) at bed time.

Skin Hyperpigmentation: Transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is another possibility, especially in darker-skinned people. This would occur 3–8 weeks post laser treatment. Avoiding sun exposure, heat, and even ultraviolet light and computer rays will help reduce this phenomenon. You must also adhere to the full post treatment regimen recommended for you to avoid occurrence of persistent hyperpigmentation.

Increased Susceptibility to Sun: Because of the temporary thinning of the epidermis and dermis and reduction in the number of melanocytes (pigment cells in the skin), you may be more susceptible to the photo-aging effects of sunlight and the carcinogenic (cancer-producing) effects of ultraviolet wavelengths inherent in sun exposure and tanning devices. You will also be much more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

Scarring: Risks of scarring are rare but exist in all cases. It is variable and is often related to an individual’s genetic makeup. Scarring can be reduced by carefully following appropriate aftercare instructions and notifying your physician if a problem develops.

Skin Pigment Changes: Skin color and texture changes may occur. At the junction of the treated and untreated areas, there may be a difference in color, texture and/or thickness of the skin.

Infection: Infection is a risk that occurs in any laser procedure. It is minimized by proper post-operative care. (Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 6 oz of water and use in spray bottle.)