Fractional laser treatments are invasive skin-resurfacing treatments that deeply ablate the skin to reveal fresh, new, healthy cells on the surface of the skin. This reatment is ideal for people who are experiencing surface irregularities such as acne scarring, wrinkles and sun damage as well as many other skin conditions that otherwise would not be improved with creams, dermal fillers, or other remedies.
Both pre & post-fractional laser treatment care are very important components in how the results are achieved in the treated skin. Patients who undergo laser fractional treatments must take great care in how they treat their skin following their procedures.
Below we discuss the fractional laser treatment pre and after care instructions that must not be overlooked if you want to achieve dramatically improved results.
SKIN CARE BEFORE TREATMENT
1. It’s important that you avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (mineral titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as leading ingredients, is a physical sunscreen) every day for 4 weeks before your treatment. SPF30 or above.
2. Do not use medications that cause sun sensitivity (such as doxycycline or minocycline) for at least 3 days before treatment. Tell your care team if you are currently taking any antibiotics.
3. If you have a history of herpes (such as oral cold sores or genital) or shingles in your treatment area, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider may want you to start an antiviral medication (such as valacyclovir or acyclovir) as directed. This is usually 2 days before treatment and continues after your laser treatment for the days prescribed.
4. Tell your care team if you have micro bladed eyebrows or a lip liner tattoo.
5. It’s also important to eat and drink before your procedure to prevent dehydration.
SKIN CARE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TREATMENT
1. Do not wear contact lenses until ALL of the swelling from the eye area has resolved.
2. Icing of the face or treatment area can help reduce immediate post-treatment discomfort. Avoid direct skin contact with the ice and always have a protective barrier between the ice and the skin.
3. Keep your skin moisturized and protected with occlusive ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline.
4. Apple cider vinegar solution is a great natural astringent that can assist with the healing process. Your plastic surgeon will provide the ingredients for this.
5. Cleanse with gentle cleanser and keep skin covered with Aquaphor or Vaseline for the first 2 days after your resurfacing treatment.
6. Do not wear makeup on the treated area until it’s completely healed.
7. Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun until it’s completely healed. If you need to be in the sun, use physical sunscreen (a mineral sunscreen) of at least SPF 30 twice a day and wear clothing or a hat that protects the treated area from the sun.
POST SKIN CARE AFTER TREATMNET
Patients should continue to use their prescribed ointment, Aquaphor or Vaseline, for the first 2 days and switch to nights only for the third and fourth day.
Gentle skin moisturizer can be used after Day 5 post-procedure.
Patients should continue to use a gentle moisturizer day and night after the fourth day.
Your doctor/technician will advise you when you can return to your normal skincare regime and to using active ingredients (usually 14 days).
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Always wash your hands before touching your skin.
If medication was prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.
Never let the skin feel dry or tight. Always keep it moisturized.
Do not pick at your skin. Allow the natural process of exfoliation to take its course. Picking can cause further skin damage and should be avoided at all costs.
Discontinue any personal products that cause burning or discomfort.
Patients should use their own discretion when resuming the use of their recommended skin care products. Early usage can cause irritation to the skin. Any products that cause burning or discomfort should be used after the 1-week follow-up appointment.
You may begin using your own personal skin care products after 2 weeks. If irritations occur, wait a few more days before proceeding with products again.
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