Profractional and MicroLaser Peel Laser Resurfacing Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions

All patients having resurfacing treatments done around the mouth should take an oral antiviral agent to prevent any cold sore virus getting into the treated areas. Start Valtrex 500 mg twice a day 1 day before treatment and continue for 5 days post treatment (7 days total).
Please discontinue any products containing active ingredients 7 days prior to treatment, such as: Retinol (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A), Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids), BHAs (Beta-hydroxy acids), LHAs (Lipo-hydroxy acids) and Benzoyl Peroxide.
Avoid sun exposure (including tanning beds) for at least 14 days prior to treatment.
Avoid sunless tanning creams or sprays on the treated area for 14 days prior to treatment.
Do not wax or use depilatory creams on the treatment areas for 14 days prior to treatment.
No smoking of nicotine products a minimum of 2 weeks before the treatment. If you do smoke, please be aware that smoking increases the risk for poor wound healing and may delay your healing process.

Treatment Day

Please show up to your treatment appointment with no makeup on.
Please bring a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with you on your treatment day to protect your skin when you leave the office.
Please remove your contact lenses the day of the treatment.

Post Treatment Instructions

To Aid in Optimal Results and Healing

Apply cool compresses or ice packs for the first 48 hours.
Take Tylenol for pain relief.
Sleep with head elevated at a 45-degree angle for the first 48 hours.
Cleanse 3-4 times daily with a gentle cleanser. Then, apply Aquaphor ointment for 5-6 days or until all scabs have fallen off.
Switch to a gentle moisturizer when your provider instructs you to do so.
- Pelle Gentle Cleanser (available in office) Or Cetaphil Gentle Moisturizer
- Pelle Nurture Cream or Sente Dermal Repair (available in office)
For treatment around the eyes, it is normal to have swelling of the eyes for 2-4 days after the procedure. It may be difficult to fully open your eyes and your eyes may be sensitive to light.
- Start using preservative free lubricating eye drops the day of your treatment and apply 4-6 times a day: Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, Preservative-Free, Single-Use Containers
DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN DURING THE HEALING PROCESS. TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SCARRING AND INFECTION!
Avoid ANY sun exposure for one week after the procedure. Wear protective clothing when outside or near glass windows during the day: hat and sunglasses.
Avoid the use of extreme facial expressions.
Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until healing is complete.
Do not allow shampoo to run into treated areas while bathing or showering.
Do not wear makeup while skin is healing.
Take all your antiviral prescription medication (if prescribed).
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 months after treatment. Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher daily.
Wear a hat and sunglasses.

What To Expect?

You may feel like you have a sunburn for a couple of days after the treatment.
Redness and swelling may occur. Swelling varies according to the depth of the treatment and the
degree of skin laxity.
You may have swelling of your eyes and difficulty opening your eyelids.
You may have pinpoint bleeding immediately after treatment.
Your skin will feel tight.
Skin may or may not peel depending on the depth of the treatment.
Complete healing should occur in an average of 4-6 days, and 7-14 days for deeper treatments.
Occasional itching may occur. Take Benadryl as needed for itching, do not scratch!

Shopping List:

Aquaphor ointment
Eye drops (only for full face or treatments around the eyes):
- Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, Preservative-Free, Single-Use Containers
Gentle facewash:
- Pelle Gentle Cleanser
Gentle moisturizer (chose any of the options below):
- Pelle Nurture Cream or Sente Dermal Repair (we carry these)
- Cetaphil Gentle Moisturizer (drug store)
Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher
- ISDIN Sunscreen (we carry this)
Tylenol tablets