Lunchtime Refresh Laser + PRF

Laser Resurfacing Treatment Instructions

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

·      Discuss and disclose any healing disorders such as caused by diabetes mellitus, connective tissue disease or radiation/ chemotherapy

·      Discuss and disclose if there is an active infection or history of herpes simplex of the lips, mouth or face. 

·      Do not proceed with this treatment if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

·      Discuss and disclose allergies to topical anesthetics, antibiotics, or other medications.

·      Do not proceed with the treatment if Isotretinoin (Accutane) has been used within the past 12 months.

·      Discuss the history of any hypertrophic scarring or keloid formations or other skin diseases. 

BEFORE FOLLOW-UP TREATMENTS: 

·      Disclose any new medications you may begin using during your treatment program. 

·      Treatments cannot be performed on areas with a suntan or sunburn. Avoid direct exposure to the sun, tanning beds 4 weeks prior to treatment. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied to any treatment area exposed to the sun. 

EXPECTATIONS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT 

·      Mild erythema (redness) will be present in the treatment area and can last from a few hours up to a few days. Treatment areas almost always become erythematous. Immediately following the procedure, you will experience a mild sunburn sensation that may include some mild discomfort. Most patients do not feel any significant discomfort, however, an ice pack (not direct ice) maybe applied to help soothe areas with discomfort. 

·      An occlusive ointment may be used after facial resurfacing treatments.

·      It is important to protect your skin from environmental elements; therefore, a lotion with a SPF protection of at least 30 should be used daily.

·      A few days post procedure, patients will experience mild peeling of the skin. The peeling is similar to the effects of sunburn. Continue to follow the skin care regimen offered by Candice Roberts, NP. Do not pick at the peeling skin, as it may lead to scarring. 

GENERAL SKINCARE 

Proper skin care is important to protect the new refreshed skin. Candice Roberts, NP will discuss a proper skincare regimen following your treatment. 

·      Keep the area clean and moist until fully healed.

·      WASH the treated area daily with a mild cleanser twice daily 

o   (Vanicream / Cetaphil / CeraVe cleansers can be purchased over the counter)

o   Use cool water and only your fingertips to cleanse. 

·      WET the treatment area with water then apply Vanicream Ointment or Aquaphor to the area several times a day until evidence of dryness, blistering or swelling has dissipated. This can be up to a week, depending on how aggressive your treatment was. If you have sensitive areas that are taking longer to heal, you may continue to apply the ointment as long as needed. Once the area is healed, switch to a mild mositurizer such as Vanicream / Cetaphil / CeraVe Moisturizers can be purchased over the counter)

·      NIGHT OF YOUR TREATMENT: Sleep elevated to reduce swelling. You can take a Benadryl to help with the swelling if needed. Place a fresh towel on your pillowcase every night until the skin has fully healed.

·      DAY AFTER YOUR TREATMENT: Apply vinegar and water solution (2 cups water to 1 cap full of vinegar) to soft cloth and apply to face. This will help soothe irritation and also kill any bacteria to the treatment area.

·      Drink LOTS of water during the healing process

·      Shower as usual but be aware that the treated area may be a little temperature sensitive.

·      Avoid chlorine, hot tubs and swimming pools during the treatment program.

·      Avoid direct contact in the sun during your treatment program. Always use a topical sun protection of SPF 30 once the skin has healed fully (generally around 1 week).

·      Avoid the use of exfoliants, loofah sponges and aggressive scrubbing to the treated areas. 

PRECAUTIONS 

·      Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds for 30 days prior to the treatment.

·      Do not rub, scratch or pick at the treated area. Treat the area gently. Pat skin dry after bathing or showering.

·      An antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin may be applied. Neosporin and Polysporin are not recommended.

·      Makeup may be applied over the treated area 48-72 hours after the treatment, once the skin has healed and aquaphor is no longer required.

·      Avoid shaving the treated area for 48-hours after the procedure.

·      You may resume any skin care with active ingredients such as (Hydroquinone, Vitamin C, Retinol, Retin A, Salicylic Acid, Gylcolyic Acid, Lactic acid) after the skin has fully healed. (Approximately 1 week)

·      If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here for you!