Pre & Post Treatment Care

To ensure safe treatment and optimal results, please follow the instructions below prior to your pico-fractional laser appointment.

Regenerating Skin Nectar- by utilizing this product 2-3 days prior may help speed up recover

1. Medical and Skin History

Please inform your provider before treatment if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of keloid scarring or poor wound healing
• Have active acne flares, rashes, cold sores, open wounds, or skin infections in the treatment area
• Have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Have autoimmune or connective tissue disorders affecting the skin
• Have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6–12 months
• Have recently had chemical peels, microneedling, RF, or other laser treatments in the same area

2. Sun Exposure and Tanning

• Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 2–4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Treatment cannot be performed on sunburned or recently tanned skin.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ or higher daily leading up to your appointment.

Sun exposure before treatment increases the risk of pigmentation changes.

3. Skincare Products to Stop

Discontinue the following in the treatment area unless otherwise directed:

• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene): 5–7 days prior
• Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, glycolic, salicylic): 5–7 days prior
• Benzoyl peroxide: 5–7 days prior
• Scrubs, exfoliating devices, or aggressive treatments: 7 days prior

Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the area for 7 days before treatment.

4. Medications and Supplements

• Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric, garlic supplements, ginkgo, ginseng, and alcohol for 3–5 days prior if medically appropriate, to reduce bruising.
• Continue prescribed medications unless directed otherwise by your provider.
• Inform your provider if you are taking any photosensitizing medications

Do not stop prescription medications without medical guidance.

5. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex)

If you have a history of cold sores and are treating the face or lip area:

• Preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.
• Notify your provider in advance so this can be prescribed if needed.

6. Day-of Treatment Instructions

• Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, sunscreen, lotions, oils, or self-tanner.
• Shaving is allowed if needed but avoid irritation or razor burn.
• Eat normally and stay well hydrated.
• Wear comfortable clothing.

Topical numbing may be applied depending on treatment area and settings.

7. Expectations Before Treatment

• Mild redness, warmth, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation after treatment is expected.
• Results develop gradually as collagen remodels.
• Multiple sessions are typically recommended for best results.

After your pico-fractional laser treatment, your skin will begin a natural healing and collagen-building process.
Temporary changes are expected as your skin recovers.

1. What to Expect

Common and temporary effects include:

• Redness or flushing (like a mild sunburn)
• Swelling or puffiness
• Warmth or tightness
• Mild tenderness
• Darkening of pigment or a bronzed appearance
• Dryness or light flaking
• Pin-point bleeding

These effects typically improve within 24–72 hours, though pigment changes may last longer.

2. Skin Care Immediately After Treatment

• Keep the treated area clean and dry.
• Gently cleanse with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser the following morning.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer as needed.
• Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or picking the skin.

3. Sun Protection (Very Important)

• Avoid direct sun exposure for 7–10 days.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ or higher daily.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or protective clothing outdoors.
• Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners until fully healed.

Sun exposure too soon after treatment increases the risk of pigmentation changes.

4. Products to Avoid

For 5–7 days after treatment, avoid:

• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)
• Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, glycolic, salicylic)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Scrubs, brushes, or exfoliating devices
• Fragranced or irritating skincare products

Resume active products only once redness and sensitivity have been resolved and your skin has fully healed or as directed by your provider.

5. Makeup, Exercise, and Heat

• Makeup may be applied after 72 hours, once redness has subsided, however it’s ideal to not use makeup until you are fully recovered.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, saunas, hot tubs, and very hot showers for 24–48 hours.
• Avoid direct heat exposure to the treated area during this time.

6. Comfort Measures

• Cool compresses may be used to reduce swelling or discomfort.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken if needed.
• Avoid NSAIDs for 24 hours unless otherwise directed.

7. Results and Treatment Course

• Improvements in skin tone and texture develop gradually over several weeks.
• Multiple sessions are typically recommended for optimal results.
• Your provider will advise on treatment intervals.

8. When to Contact the Office

Please contact the clinic if you experience:

• Increasing pain, swelling, or redness beyond 72 hours
• Blistering, crusting, or signs of infection
• Significant or worsening darkening of the skin
• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning