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Laser Resurfacing Pre & Post Care

Dear $(Contact.FirstName),

These instructions are guidelines to follow during your recovery from  Laser Resurfacing surgery.  If you have questions or concerns as you recover, do not hesitate to contact the office for assistance. If you are also undergoing other procedures during your surgery, you will receive specific care instructions for those procedures in a separate email.

Recovery Guidelines for  Laser Resurfacing: 

General information:

  • milder laser treatment) takes 6-7 days for recovery, with modest results, subsequent treatments may be necessary.
  • deeper laser treatment takes 10-14 days for recovery, with more pronounced results.
  • Preconditioning your skin with our skin care program 6-8 weeks prior to your laser treatment is recommended.
  • Must be off Accutane for one year prior to laser treatment
  • Stop Retin A and Retinol or other exfoliating products two weeks prior to laser treatment
  • Avoid sun exposure / tanning beds for four weeks prior to laser treatment
  • Active cold sores must be completely healed prior to laser treatment
  • Prescription for anti-viral medication for prevention of cold sores to begin two days prior to treatment
  • Do not wear make-up to your appointment on the day of laser treatment
  • You must have a driver
  • For procedures using local anesthesia only:
    • Preoperative medication consisting of Valium and Percocet will be given when you arrive for treatment.
    • Preoperative application of Quadricaine – topical anesthetic – at least one hour prior to laser treatment. This will be provided when you arrive for laser treatment.

After surgery care:

  • Do not pick or rub your skin at all. Showers are permitted but avoid direct water pressure on treated areas. Gently pat the area dry.
  • If you develop facial swelling, sleep with extra pillows at night or sleep in a reclining chair.
  • Wash your face with Ultra Gentle Cleanser twice a day. Follow instructions in skin care package provided. Repeat this throughout the day for 7-10 days to keep the skin moist.
  • Medications for discomfort may be required for deeper laser treatments. Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be taken as needed.
  • If the treated area shows signs of infection or pimple-like lesions develop or lips develop a tingling sensation, please call the office immediately.
  • Eight glasses of water per day is recommended for the first 24 – 48 hours after treatment.
  • Refrain from strenuous activity until your skin has peeled.
  • Do not sit in a sauna or hot tub.
  • It is very important not to get any direct sun exposure for the first 6 weeks following laser treatment.
  • When the area heals (no crusting) a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be applied to the treated area. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 60 minutes when engaging in outdoor activity.
  • Continual use of daily sunscreen is recommended to avoid sun damage to the new skin.
  • You should not wear makeup until your skin has healed. Usually in 7-14 days makeup can be applied. Your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled 5-7 days following laser treatment.

Again, please don't hesitate to reach out to the office for assistance should you have any questions or concerns.

 

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