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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.
Cold Sore Prevention
Start an oral antiviral such as valacyclovir 500mg twice daily beginning 2 days before treatment and continuing for 7 days after (10 days total).
Infection Prevention
Start an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline 100mg twice daily beginning 2 days 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 the provided mask to face when you get home (30-45 minute duration; do not let it dry on your face). Use misting spray to soothe and hydrate as needed.
- Apply ointment barrier (Aquaphor, Vaseline, balm) generously to treated areas. Keep the area moist with ointment barrier at all times. Do NOT allow ablated skin to dry out, or scab! (soak off any initial scabs, crusts, wet/ dried blood that develops with vinegar soaks (see below).
- Assure your hands are washed clean with soap and dried prior to touching your face, or applying something to your skin.
- Skin will peel, flake, appear red, swollen, painful and may ooze for up to 72 hours.
Soothing Soaks (Start the Morning After Your Treatment & Continuing for 7-10 days) – this is premixed and provided to you.
- Soak treated areas at least 4 times per day using provided solution (1 tsp white vinegar to 1 cup distilled water) with the provided gauze. Apply with washed, clean hands. Each soak lasts 20–30 minutes and is followed by a generous reapplication of Aquaphor, Vaseline, or balm.
- Apply Hyacyn misting spray (2-4 sprays) 4-6 times per day to hydrate and cleanse.
Days 1-3 (continue 30 minute vinegar soaks followed by balm application 4 times per day)
- Peeling, flaking and pinpoint bleeding occur in the first 24 hours. Crusting/ weeping, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and discomfort will peak within 48-72 hours.
- Pain may feel like a sunburn and is typically manageable with Tylenol (avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
- Elevate your head as needed while sleeping to minimize swelling.
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch the skin and crusts. Do NOT let crusts form. Crusting can lead to scars and infection. Soak crusting off with vinegar soaks.
Days 4–7 (continue 30 minute vinegar soaks followed by balm application 4 times per day)
- Bruising and swelling begins to fade. Tightness of the skin might occur. This is normal, expected healing.
- Itching may occur; take Benadryl (as needed; caution sedation). If itch is persistently strong and 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 (soak them off with vinegar soaks).
Days 7–10
- Most skin will be fully resurfaced. Stop vinegar soaks and balm. Begin using a gentle cleanser twice daily along with the provided post-laser skincare products.
Weeks 2–4
- Redness will fade gradually. Some pinkness may persist for 12-16 weeks.
- Continue using gentle, medical-grade skincare and daily SPF.
Additional Recovery Notes
- Place provided premixed vinegar soak solution in the fridge for a more soothing soak.
- Resume Retin-A, glycolics, and Vitamin C at 3 weeks post-procedure.
- No exercise/ vigorous activity, close contact with pets, unclean cell phone/glasses, pools/ hot tub, or hot environments (saunas, steam, gyms, etc.) for 2 weeks.
- Avoid direct, prolonged sun exposure and always wear SPF 30+ and wide-brimmed hats, especially during the 10 days after procedure and 2 months after to promote healing and prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Contact lenses should not be worn for 10 days if the eye area was treated (clean glasses with alcohol wipes prior to placing on face).
- No makeup for 10-14 weeks post treatment.
- Use a new, clean pillow case every night.
