Feel & Redness:
It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You should use a cold compress or cold water spray as needed. You may also expect to experience redness and / or purpura (epidermal bleeding) within the treated area for five to seven days.

Bathing / activities
Avoid bathing with very hot water, strenuous exercise, and massage for 2–3 days post laser skin care treatment.

Washing:
Wait at least 12 hours (next morning) to wash your face. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Use the cleanser for the duration of the healing process. DO NOT use any scrubs or irritants such as Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide or any astringents. Skin always should be patted dry and NOT rubbed.

Hydrating:
Apply “Epione’s – Super Healing Ointment” or Aquaphor on the treated area (avoid getting inside the eyes) a few times a day to keep the skin well moisturized.  Leave the Super Healing Ointment or Aquaphor on while sleeping, and steam in the shower the following morning. Starting on day 4 you can use a warm wash cloth in large, gentle circular motions to remove the ointment. Remember – DO NOT SCRUB. Avoid use of any other moisturizing products (lotions, serums, liquid sunscreens, etc.) for at least 5 days. Using these products will prevent your skin from peeling and may hinder the full benefits of the laser skin rejuvenation procedure.

Makeup:
Makeup should not be used for at least 5 days post treatment. Most makeup is moisturizing, which can sometimes prevent the peeling process. If makeup is absolutely needed, we recommend using new makeup to reduce the possibility of infection.

No Sun Exposure:
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1–2 months post treatment in order to reduce the chance of dark or light spots. A powdered mineral makeup can be worn during the healing process as a sunscreen, but make sure the makeup is new and the brush is clean. Liquid sunscreens are not enough, or recommended. Sun exposure delays the process of healing. Sun exposure can cause damage to the healing skin and cause undue pigmentation and textural changes that may be lasting.

NO Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of post-surgical complications. DO NOT smoke for 48 hours prior to and at least 7 days after the treatment, otherwise healing time may be prolonged.

Medications (if prescribed)
Valtrex: 1000 mg: one tablet by mouth once a day for 7 days
Vicodin: I tablet by mouth once every 6 hours or as needed for pain
Valium: to help you sleep; one tablet by mouth at night

Do not discontinue your other meds unless you have been instructed to do so by your physician.

Other procedures:
Avoid tweezing, waxing, bleaching or chemical peels during the course of the healing process.

Possible Short-term Side Effects

Discomfort:
You may experience discomfort, a burning sensation, or pain during the first few days. A topical anesthetic is usually used to block pain during the laser skin resurfacing treatment, but some degree of discomfort will occur after the anesthetic effects have worn off. This pain may persist for several days. You can take a Vicodin (if it has been prescribed to you). If pain persists, call our office.

Redness of Skin:
Erythema or redness of the skin may occur for a 2-6 month period and possibly longer. Using Epione Super-Healing ointment will reduce the redness.

Swelling:
Temporary edema (swelling) or ecchymosis (bruising) of the tissue of the face and neck and especially the eyes, usually will subside in 3–7 days. Keeping your head elevated when sleeping will reduce this. Using cool soaks also helps reduce this. If the swelling persists taking 25 mg Benadryl (if your doctor has recommended it) can be very helpful.

Wound Healing:
Oozing, weeping, crusting and flakiness of the treated area is rare but may persist for the first week. Gently wash your face with cool soaks, and a mixture of hydrogen peroxide wash (Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 6 oz of water and use in spray bottle) & continue with Epione Super-Healing Ointment.

Cysts:
Milia or cysts, especially in the eyelid skin region (if the eyelid skin is included in the area of treatment by the laser energy) may occur. This occurrence happens particularly if ointments are used in the post treatment phase for a prolonged period of time (stop using healing ointments after 10 days)

Skin Tightness:
Sensation of skin tightness may occur (peaks at 3–8 weeks post treatment).

Contact Dermatitis:
Contact dermatitis (irritation) may occur due to the post treatment use of topical preparations (ointments).

Herpes Simplex Dermatitis (Fever Blisters):
Occurrence or recurrence of herpes simplex dermatitis is also a possible short-term effect, particularly if it is not pre-, intra-, and post- operatively treated with a systemic antiviral medication such as Valtrex. Please inform us of your history before we begin treatment.

Skin Itchiness:
Pruritus or itching in the early healing phase may occur. Using Epione Super-Healing ointment will help. Or you may take a 25 mg Benadryl (if your doctor has recommended it) at bed time.

Skin Hyperpigmentation:
Transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is another possibility, especially in darker-skinned people. This would occur 3–8 weeks post laser treatment. Avoiding sun exposure, heat, and even ultraviolet light and computer rays will help reduce this phenomenon. You must also adhere to the full post treatment regimen recommended for you to avoid occurrence of persistent hyperpigmentation.

Increased Susceptibility to Sun:
Because of the temporary thinning of the epidermis and dermis and reduction in the number of melanocytes (pigment cells in the skin), you may be more susceptible to the photo-aging effects of sunlight and the carcinogenic (cancer-producing) effects of ultraviolet wavelengths inherent in sun exposure and tanning devices. You will also be much more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

Scarring:
Risks of scarring are rare but exist in all cases. It is variable and is often related to an individual’s genetic makeup. Scarring can be reduced by carefully following appropriate aftercare instructions and notifying your physician if a problem develops.

Skin Pigment Changes:
Skin color and texture changes may occur. At the junction of the treated and untreated areas, there may be a difference in color, texture and/or thickness of the skin.

Infection:
Infection is a risk that occurs in any laser procedure. It is minimized by proper post-operative care. **Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 6 oz of water and use in spray bottle.

Post Treatment Instructions

Phase 1: Recovering (cool + wet)

Time period: first 24 hours (or longer until skin is no longer warm to touch)

You may experience a burning sensation on the treated area that can last from 30 minutes to 72 hours, or possibly longer. Start the cooling process immediately after your treatment. You may use many methods to reduce the heat that is generated due to the laser treatment and reduce inflammation.

Directions:

• Gently wash the face with a gentle soap twice a day ( do not rub or pick your skin)
• Spray ice cold water on the skin 3–4 times an hour during waking hours
• Fan the skin

Phase 2: Healing (hydrate + calm)

Time period: first 72 hours after the treatment or until skin is completely healed and is no longer irritated.

The laser treatment may result in an appearance similar to a darker tan or sunburn in a day or two. A fine scab may be formed over the skin within a couple of days. Begin process immediately after your treatment. This process prevents scarring, promotes healing, reduces itching and redness.

Directions:

• Gently wash the face with a gentle soap twice a day ( do not rub or pick your skin)
• Follow this by applying a thin layer of Epione’s “Healing Ointment” or “Super Healing Ointment” to the entire area
• Leave a thick layer of Healing Ointment or Super Healing Ointment on the skin over night
• You may use steam shower once a day to gently allow the skin to peel off. DO NOT SCRUB.

Phase 3: Restoration

Once your skin is completely healed (no longer irritated or pink) you can gradually work up to using your therapeutic creams in the following fashion. Remember do not abruptly stop using your creams. If for any reason you choose to discontinue your creams you may do so in a gradual fashion.

Beginning on the first Monday AFTER your skin is completely healed, adhere to the following schedule:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4 until your next procedure or up to 6 months (whichever is first):