Pre & Post Custom Laser Resurfacing / Micro-Laser Peel

Pre-Treatment

Laser Resurfacing improves tone and texture of the skin, but it does involve some “down- time.” In order to increase the effects of the treatment without adding to discomfort and irritation, we advise the following:

  • If you have ever had a cold sore, be sure to tell the clinician so you can get a prescription for an anti-viral. You must start taking the anti-viral two days before the procedure.

  • Topical retinoid therapy should be discontinued 5-7 days prior to treatment. Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.

  • Avoid taking anticoagulants for 10 days before treatment, if medical condition allows. Consult with your physician.

  • Do not over-expose your skin to the sun two weeks before the procedure. Tanning is not advised at least 2 weeks before the procedure.

  • Do not consume alcohol the day of the procedure. It will increase inflammation and possibly increase discomfort.

  • Do not take Advil (Ibuprofin) or Aspirin 72 hours before treatment. Tylenol is ok.

  • Hydrate – moisturize skin in the morning and evening, and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to completely hydrate your skin and optimize treatment results.

  • Be prepared for swollen eyes, crustiness, peeling and itching for several days after the procedure. Day by day improvement is exciting, but the first 4-5 days are a bit disconcerting. Be sure you read the post-procedure care and comply with all the instructions before you commit to the treatment.

  • Any other directions specifically related to your individual skin conditions will be given to you at the time of treatment.

Post Treatment

Patient response can vary after a laser resurfacing treatment. Erythema (redness) and possibly edema (swelling) are the desired responses within a few minutes after the completion of the procedure. The degree of redness and length of healing time will increase with the depth of your peel.

  • Do not use contact lenses until eye swelling is TOTALLY resolved.

  • Redness normally persists for 24 hours – 5 days depending upon the depth of the
    peel.

  • Swelling is typically a short-term response. Use of a cold compress or ice packs will help to relieve the swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first night after the treatment.

  • If an antiviral was prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.

  • Vinegar soaks can also be done daily through the healing process. 1 cup water, mix in 2 tablespoons Vinegar, apply with clean face cloth.  Always make sure hands have been washed before touching your skin.

  • Post treatment discomfort may be relieved by oral pain relievers; i.e. Extra Strength Tylenol.

  • A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.

  • Cleanse the skin two times a day with a gentle cleanser; beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub the treated area.

  • After cleansing your face, reapply the occlusive barrier, (i.e. Aquaphor) taking care to cover all treated areas. The occlusive barrier is needed to provide a protective barrier that will hold moisture into the skin and provide protection to the skin from pollutants in the air as the skin heals. As a rule of thumb, the occlusive barrier is needed 1 day per 10 microns of skin treated or once skin has re-epithelialized. For example: a 20 micron MLP = 2 days of wearing the occlusive barrier. Reapply the occlusive barrier as needed. Do not allow the treated area to dry out.

  • You will be advised on the products to use on your skin after the Laser Resurfacing Treatment. Do not use any active or harsh products for at least 10 to 14 after this treatment. The surface skin is brand new and needs to totally normalize before using most products you may be currently using. Sunblock should be used after the first 10 days to protect the new skin. Sun exposure should be avoided until sunblock can be used.

  • Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN DURING THE HEALING PROCESS. THIS COULD RESULT IN SCARRING AND INFECTION! Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.

  • Once skin has healed (no longer wearing the occlusive barrier) you may begin to use a bland moisturizer and wear makeup. If you are able to wear makeup, a sunblock should be worn on a daily basis to help prevent any hyperpigmentation issues that could be caused by direct and indirect sunlight.

  • When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.

  • Avoid direct sunlight for up to 2 months post treatment.

*Deep Fractional treatments are intended to produce very nice results without weeks of healing. A series of three treatments will be needed for patients who desire maximum results, especially for treatment of wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. You will appreciate the tone and texture changes to your skin even after one treatment as the pigment diminishes in a few days, but remember, wrinkle remodeling requires actual activation of new collagen formation in the skin (dermis). BE PATIENT! You may think your wrinkles seem to re-appear in a few weeks, but in about 2 to 3 months, you will be delighted with the smoothing out of those same wrinkles with the formation of new collagen. Acne scars may require more than three treatments for best scar reduction.