Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Apply a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and reapply as needed.
- Passive sun exposure is acceptable, but tanning either outside or in a tanning bed, is not. You cannot be treated if you have a sunburn, recently tanned, or have sunless tanner on your skin. Avoid sunless tanners for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Avoid the following active ingredients in treatment areas 7 days prior to treatment: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid. If you are concerned about any of the products you are using, please ask your provider.
- If you have had other skin rejuvenation procedures in the past month, please discuss with your provider to ensure adequate spacing of treatments
- There are no restrictions for neurotoxin or filler treatment. These treatments can be done on the same day if the laser treatment and injectables are not performed in the same area.
- Come with clean, product-free skin and loose-fitting clothes over all treatment areas.
- If you have a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in any treatment areas, notify your provider, as pre-treatment with an anti-viral medication will be required. Your provider will give specific instructions.
- Notify your provider of all medications you are taking as some medications can be photosensitizing.
- We recommend you wait at least 6 months after isotretinoin (Accutane) treatment before having any laser procedures.
Post – Treatment Instructions
FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS
- A physical sunscreen will be applied in sun-exposed treatment areas immediately following the procedure.
- A sunburn-like sensation in treatment areas is common. Cool compresses and aloe gel may be used until this sensation resolves.
- Avoid makeup, heavy and petroleum-based products in treated areas.
FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Keep the skin cool and avoid higher body temperatures that might result from hot tubs, saunas, or intense exercise. Let your provider know if you experience irritation or blistering as you resume normal activities.
FOR THE NEXT 7 DAYS
- You may notice darkening of your pigmented spots and vessels after treatment. Darker, scaly areas will flake off and treated vessels will become less apparent. Â Â Do not rub, exfoliate, or pick the treated areas.
- In rare cases, crusting, blistering, prolonged redness (beyond 7 days), or discoloration can occur. If you observe any of these rare side effects, please reach out to your provider immediately.
- Avoid the following active ingredients in treated areas: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
FOR THE NEXT 14 DAYS
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and evening. See product recommendations below. Moisturize more frequently, if needed.
- Prior to going outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater on all treated areas and reapply as needed. Please continue safe sun practices throughout the duration of your treatments.
- Avoid any treatments that cause exfoliation of the skin including facials, extractions, waxing, or threading.
  If you have any questions or concerns, call The Skin Center at 1-800-429-1151