• Immediately after your treatment, we will apply cool compresses and EltaMD Post-laser ointment. After your treatment, you may apply cool compresses or ice as needed to reduce swelling and help with discomfort. Some patients report a “hot” feeling, which lasts a few hours to a few days.
• Most of the burning sensation will be resolved before you leave our office. If you have residual burning or discomfort that does not improve with ice or cool compresses, you may take two Tylenol or Advil every 4-6 hours as needed.
• When the ointment dries up or gets wiped off, please reapply it 2-3 times daily for a week, especially for the first few days and before bed.
• Starting on the day of your procedure, to prevent pustules and minor infections of the treated skin, take Keflex 500mg 3x daily for 5 days. We will give you your first dose in office. We want to make this treatment as easy and convenient for you as possible, so we will have all the medications you need ready to dispense to you in office. (Woohoo, let’s skip those annoying pharmacy lines!)
• Treated areas may become swollen. Areas such as the eyes and jowls tend to have the most significant swelling. Peak swelling is seen 48 hours post procedure. Don’t be alarmed – cold compresses, extra pillows, and Ibuprofen can help with this. Swelling can last 3-10 days, but for most people fully resolves by day 5.
• You may shower beginning the day after treatment, but avoid hot water/steam on treated area.
• Plan to rest for the first 2-3 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping, or lifting heavy objects for 3 days after the procedure.
• Cover your pillow with a soft towel or additional pillowcase, to prevent ointment from getting on nice bedding.
• You may notice “track marks”, “grid marks”, “dots”, or “streaks” on the skin. Some areas may be redder than others. You may have a bronzing appearance during the healing process. This is normal. These areas will heal and slough over time.
• Once redness begins to fade, the treated area will appear dry and flaky. It may feel rough like sand paper – don’t worry, this will all resolve. In general, the face may feel rough for up to 10 days following treatment. The neck and chest may take up to 2 weeks. DO NOT SCRATCH! You should not pick/scrub/scratch the exfoliating skin – please allow it to gently exfoliate during the washing process. Avoid mechanical exfoliation/scrubs for 4 weeks.
• If your skin becomes itchy or very swollen, you can take Zyrtec or Allegra, or Benadryl at night.
• Avoid dirty, dusty environments, painting, hairsprays, perfumes while skin is healing.
• You may use mineral make-up on day 4 or 5 after your skin is mostly healed.
• Avoid using glycolic acid, retinol, and Retin-A for at least 1 week after your procedure.
• 1-2 weeks post treatment you may experience an acne breakout. This can be a normal side effect of resurfacing and ointment use, is temporary, and generally resolves within 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 6 months. Apply sun block SPF 40+, when skin has completely healed. Sunscreen with zinc and titanium provides broader protection. Wear a protective hat or visor the first 2 weeks while outdoors. Protecting your skin and limiting sun exposure ensures the best cosmetic outcome.