Skin Resurfacing

• It is imperative that you avoid significant sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment.  
• Avoid applying self-tanner for 2 weeks prior to treatment. 
• Inform the provider if have had any surgical procedures in the treatment area including facial laser resurfacing or deep chemical peel. Wait until well-healed.
• Schedule treatment one month after any Botox or Natural fillers.
• If any history of herpes simplex, in the treatment area, should start on prophylaxis to prevent outbreak.
•  Darker skin types (IV-V) will need to pre-treat minimum of 3 weeks prior to appointment with a skin lighting agent such as Hydroquinone to decrease post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Discuss with Provider). 

•  If possible, arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Otherwise please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order to clean the skin. Cleansing products are available for your convenience. 
• Allow approximately 45 minutes for your appointment depending on the size of the treatment area. 
• Pre-treatment photos will be taken. 
• Just prior to treatment, you will be given eye shields or glasses to wear to protect your eyes. 

• Your skin may be temperature sensitive for several days after treatment. Brown spots and freckles will appear darker while healing. 
• It should take 4-6 weeks to see the full result and 2-3 treatments may be required to achieve an optimum result. 
• The sessions are designed to provide no downtime however, occasionally you may find that your cheeks and under eye areas are slightly puffy after treatment. You may use cold compresses (5 minutes on and 10 minutes off) several times an hour to help ease both redness and swelling. 
• Sleeping with your head elevated for the first night will also help decrease any swelling you may experience. 
• Redness around the treated area for a few hours to days. 
• Freckles and age spots may darken for three to seven days before starting to fade.
• Skin flaking for up to 10 days.  
• Minor bruising that may last two weeks or less. 

During the procedure, you will feel a warm sensation on your skin as the laser pulses are delivered. Sensation is very tolerable. There is no need for topical numbing.

• Use mild cleansers after 24 hours.
• Do not let skin dry out. Aquaphor or post laser balm for 72 hours.
• Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, alcohol, heavy exertion and activities which may cause flushing for 2 days after treatment. 
• Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid products for one week after. 
• Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for 4 -6 weeks after your treatment. 
• Anticipate some social downtime following your treatment

A single session usually lasts about 15 minutes, and you can expect to see results after about 3-5 sessions. Depending on your skin condition, you many need fewer or more treatment sessions to see desired results. 

Majority of patients have little to no downtime. Your provider with counsel you on your downtime expectations depending on the intensity level of your treatment settings. The average downtime ranges from 2-7 days. 

The side effects are typically mild and temporary. You may experience some swelling, redness, or bruising after the treatment which will resolve within a few days. To minimize complications, it is imperative that you follow the post-treatment instructions.