Pre-Treatment | Procedure | Post-Treatment
Pre-Treatment Information
In some cases, a pre-treatment of hydroquinone cream is used to prepare the
skin for treatment 2 to 4 weeks before treatment. Discontinue use of
exfoliating creams such as Retin-A and other exfoliating products 2 weeks
prior to and during entire treatment course. When you do apply make-up, you
will need to clean or get new application sponges or make-up brushes. The
most common reason for infection or acneiform eruption is the use of home
products that have accumulated bacteria.
If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment, please
let us know. You may require prophylactic medication prior to treatment.
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The Erbium Fractional Laser Procedure
To improve the comfort of the treatment, it is recommended you come to the
appointment 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure for application of numbing
cream. The laser treatment is best described as "pin pricks" on the skin.
Ice is used during the procedure to help soothe the skin.
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Post-Treatment Information
While your skin is red and inflamed do not put anything active (products
that sting) on the treatment area. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer,
preferably hydrating serum. Apply ice during the first hour to the treated
area. Ice is very soothing and helps prevent swelling. Move the ice pack
around to prevent tissue damage from holding it in one spot. Take either
naprosyn or ibuprofen during the first 4 hours (unless you have been advised
not to take either for other reasons) to help minimize swelling and
discomfort. You can expect the treated area to be red and puffy. The treated
area may appear red while healing. Some redness can persist for 2 to 3 weeks
and sometimes you can see the circular shape from the hand piece. This
redness can be minimized with makeup after the first day or so. The
puffiness usually is gone by the first 24 to 48 hours, but can last up to a
week.
Hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin is common for the first two weeks
after treatment and it is not uncommon for it to continue for a month for
darker skin tones and/or sun exposure. Patience! It takes time to see
improvement. This treatment stimulates collagen growth, but it takes time to
happen. The collagen remodeling will continue to show improvement for 6
months after the last treatment.
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