Expose the treatment area to heavy UV or perform tanning at least for one month before your treatment
Perform deep facial peels or aggressive Dermabrasion procedures at least for a month before your treatment
Use medications that may cause sensitivity to sun (such as doxycycline, minocycline) for at least one week before your treatment
Apply cosmetic products 3 days before your treatment unless instructed to do otherwise
DO‘S
Start applying sunscreen with at least a SPF 30 a month before your treatment if you are not already using one
Inform your practitioner if you have a history of cold sores or shingles in the treatment area, so that we can start your antiviral medication (valacyclovir, acyclovir, usually two days before treatment and continue for three days after treatment)
Apply your topical or combination cream to your skin for about one month before your laser procedure if one was recommended or prescribed for you
Laser Skin Resurfacing After-Care Instructions
Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching, or stinging may last for a few days. Depending on your treatment intensity, skin may appear raw, ooze a yellow liquid and even blister. Don’t scratch or pick at skin that crusts as this can cause scarring or lead to an infection. Keep in mind that serous (clear) drainage and/or tiny areas of bleeding in the treated areas may be present on the day of procedure and a couple of days after
Apply a cool compress or a towel wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes every one to two hours as needed for comfort, during the first 24 to 48 hours (about 2 days)
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (or any occlusive moisturizer) or antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin, Neosporin and Polyprion are not recommended) to the area twice a day until the redness and swelling is dissipated (Usually 2-3 days)
Makeup may be applied over the treated area 2 days after the treatment. Avoid shaving the treated area for about 2 days after the procedure
Clean the treatment area twice a day as instructed by your doctor with a vinegar solution: one teaspoon of white vinegar in two cups of water. Soak gauze in the vinegar solution and gently apply dripping wet to the treated areas, allowing the gauze to remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Using gentle pressure, wipe the treated area using the gauze
You may shower as usual but beware that the treated area may be sensitive to temperature. Avoid chlorine, hot tubs and swimming pools until your skin fully heals (usually 7-10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) depending on the intensity of the treatment)
Sleep on your back only and use an extra pillow at night to help reduce the swelling of your face for the first four days after the procedure
Three to 7 days after your procedure, your skin usually will become dry and peel. Your new skin will initially appear pink. It should begin to gradually lighten up over the next two to three weeks
Avoid aggressive facial treatments, such as tretinoin or glycolic acid for four weeks and any topical products that may cause irritation for six weeks following treatment. Avoid aggressively rubbing the treated area
Avoid activities that can cause flushing for two weeks after treatment
Do not smoke as it slows the healing process
After Healing
Apply a daily broad-spectrum (screens both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays) sunscreen after healing to protect your newly emerging skin. A sunscreen specifically formulated for use on the face should be chosen, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
Apply daily moisturizer as recommended by your doctor
General Skincare: Proper skin care is important to protect the new refreshed skin. Your physician will discuss a proper skincare regimen following your Erbium Yag treatment
What to expect after Laser Skin Resurfacing?
You should see an immediate difference in your treated skin. Depending on the laser treatment intensity, your skin may stay pink or red for a few weeks. Your skin may continue to improve up to a month and the improvement may last for years. Normal aging will eventually lead to new wrinkles and blemishes, which can be treated with laser resurfacing again. You should avoid the sun as much as possible and apply sunscreen every day.
