Laser Care

PRE LASER INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not use aspirin, aspirin containing medications, ibuprofen, or alcohol for at least1 week before treatment.
• Minimize sun exposure, as best as possible, for at least 1 month before treatment

POST LASER TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS

• The treated area(s) may swell. This is caused by the laser energy, and represents inflammation and not infection.
• You may experience blistering.
• While the laser leaves the skin surface mostly intact, a fine crust usually forms. This is expected and is part of the normal healing process. Crusts, scabs, and blisters usually appear within 12-72 hours and may last 1-2 weeks.
• Once the crust goes away, the body gradually continues the fading process for several weeks, so the final results of the treatment will not be seen for 6-8 weeks.

POST LASER TREATMENT CARE

• Apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the treated area twice a day for 7 days, or longer until the surface looks healed.
• You may relieve any swelling by applying cool compresses wrapped in a soft cloth. Leave this on the treated area for 10 minutes each hour for several hours if needed.
• Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for 1 week after treatment. Avoid manipulating the skin in any way. Do not rub, scratch, or pick the area(s).
• You may get the area(s) wet, but be very gentle when drying it. Pat after showering.
• Makeup is permitted after 1 week, but be very gentle when applying and removing it.
• Minimize sun exposure for at least 1 month after treatment. Wear protective clothing and a high SPF (greater than 30) sunscreen to protect the treated area from direct sun exposure for at least 3 months.
• Avoid spray tanning to the treated area.
• Swimming is permitted once the crust has fallen off, usually 5-10 days.