Profractional
Pre-treatment and Post-treatment
Instructions
Pre-care
Avoid Prolonged Direct Sun Exposure
Start applying SPF 30+ daily at least 2 weeks before your treatment. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners or spray tans on the treatment area to reduce the risk of pigmentation and support optimal healing. Bring a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection after treatment.
Discontinue Active Skincare
Stop using products containing retinol, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, glycolic or salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or benzoyl peroxide at least 7 days prior to your appointment (restart 2 weeks post treatment.
Cold Sore Prevention
Start an oral antiviral such as valacyclovir 500mg twice daily beginning 2 day before treatment and continuing for 7 days after (10 days total).
Medications
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, fish oil, Vitamin E, and other blood thinners for 7 days before treatment (and 2 weeks after treatment). If you are prescribed a blood thinner, or have taken Accutane, or steroids in the past, please notify your provider.
Pre-Treatment Skincare Prep
If instructed, complete a pre-treatment regimen, including Vitamin C and Retin-A for 4 weeks to optimize skin health prior to your resurfacing session. Arrive to your appointment with clean skin—no makeup.
Neuromodulator
It may be beneficial to soften wrinkles 2 weeks prior to treatment, so new skin has a smooth foundation to reform evenly
Post-care
Immediately After
- Apply provided mask to face. Use misting spray to soothe and hydrate as needed. Apply barrier ointment (Aquaphor, Vaseline, balm) generously to treated areas.
- Assure your hands are washed clean with soap and dried prior to touching your face, or applying something to your skin
- Keep the area moist at all times with barrier ointment. Do NOT allow ablated skin to dry out, or scab over!
- Skin will peel, flake, appear red, swollen, painful and may ooze for up to 72 hours.
Cleanse Twice Daily
- Starting morning after treatment gentle cleanse skin twice daily with plain, lukewarm water followed by a generous reapplication of ointment to treated ablated area. Continue until skin is fully resurfaced and healed (typically 2-5 days). Do NOT allow ablated skin to dry out or scab over!
Once resurfaced (healed) the following routine may be used:
Morning:
- Cleanse with REAL Gentle Cleanser
- Hydrinity Hyacyn spray (2–3 mists)
- Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum
- Alastin Regenerating Nectar (optional)
- Moisturize with REAL Luxe Lipid
- Apply Alastin Hydratint SPF
Night:
- Cleanse with REAL Gentle Cleanser
- Hydrinity Hyacyn spray (2–3 mists)
- Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum
- Alastin Regenerating Nectar (optional)
- Moisturize with REAL Luxe Lipid
Days 1-3
- Swelling and discomfort will peak within 48-72 hours.
- Pain may feel like a sunburn and is typically manageable with Tylenol.
- Elevate your head as needed while sleeping to minimize swelling.
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch the skin and crusts.
Days 4–7
- Redness, bruising, crusting and swelling begins to fade. Skin tightness may occur- this is the expected, normal healing process.
- Itching may occur; take Benadryl (as needed, caution sedation). If persistently uncomfortable, call REAL immediately!
- If significant pain continues, or worsens (with/without fever, chills) or cold sores occur, especially if located around your nose or eye, call REAL immediately!
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch the skin and crusts.
Days 7–10
- Most skin will be fully resurfaced. Continue using a gentle cleanser twice daily along with the provided post-laser skincare products listed above.
Weeks 2–4
- Redness will fade gradually. Some pinkness may persist for 12-16 weeks .
- Resume Retin-A, glycolics, and Vitamin C at 2 weeks post-treatment.
Recovery Notes
- No exercise/ vigorous activity, close contact with pets, unclean cell phone/glasses (clean with alcohol swab), hot environments (saunas, steam, gyms) for 7-14 days.
- Avoid prolonged, direct sun exposure. Always wear SPF 30+ and wide-brimmed hats for at least 2 months to promote healing and prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Contact lenses should not be worn for 7-10 days, if the eye area was treated. Wait until healed.
- No makeup for 7-10 days (until skin is healed).
- New, clean pillow case every night.
