GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

  • Avoid direct sunlight and keep skin moist and cool to aid healing.
  • Avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (e.g., dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents).
  • Avoid dryness and excessive heat (no high heat on the blow dryer, medium heat is fine during the healing process).
  • Avoid any vigorous exercising for 2 weeks.
  • Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol.
  • Redness and a sunburn-type sensation will normally last several hours.
  • Neck redness is more persistent and will usually last several days longer than face redness.
  • The face will normally bronze and peel within 3-5 days (Note: skin below neck normally requires up to 2 weeks to bronze and peel).

DAY OF TREATMENT:

  • Keep treated areas covered with topical ointment/cream as instructed by a physician.
  • Apply cooling compresses (e.g., a bag of frozen peas or wet paper towels frozen in Ziploc bag) Note: do not apply ice directly to the skin and do not use towels as detergents may irritate the skin.
  • If desired, you may spray water mist on the skin using distilled or spring water.
  • May take an analgesic (e.g., Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) for discomfort.

FIRST NIGHT:

  • Sleep with head slightly elevated.
  • Place a paper towel over the pillow to protect from ointment/cream.
  • If experiencing irritation to the eye, may use an eye lubricant (e.g., Systane™).

DAY 1 (FIRST DAY AFTER TREATMENT):

  • Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
  • Begin washing face 2-3 times a day with room temperature water and Cetaphil.
  • May take shower and wash hair. Avoid hot water.
  • Re-apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to the treated area. Ensure skin remains constantly moist.
  • Do NOT use retinol or exfoliants

DAY 2:

  • Swelling should subside and skin may bronze and feel gritty.
  • Itching (particularly along the jawline) tends to begin on this day.
  • Continue applying ointment/cream (and cool compresses, if needed).
  • Continue washing face with Cetaphil and room temperature water.
  • For extreme itching, hydrocortisone cream (OTC 1%) may be applied. AVOID picking and/or scratching
  • Do NOT use retinol or exfoliants

DAY 4-7:

  • Itching has usually subsided.
  • You may start more aggressive washing with fingertips to promote further exfoliation (do not pick).
  • Use non-irritating sunblock SPF 30+ with zinc oxide (7-9%) and/or titanium dioxide when going outside.
  • You may apply mineral makeup (powder)
  • Do NOT use retinol or exfolients

DAY 7-28:

  • Continue appropriate moisturizer until skin has hydrated back to its normal level (3-4 weeks).
  • You may start regular skin care program as long as treated area is healed (no exfoliation).
  • Continue applying non-irritating sunblock (SPF 30+) and use mineral makeup (powder) to protect treated areas (do not use liquid foundation as it may clog pores and irritate new skin).
  • Avoid exposure to excessive sun for up to 4 weeks (hat or clothing must be used to protect treated areas).
  • Do NOT use retinol or exfoliants
  • You may return to exercise programs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call one of our offices at 086 2487464 or (01) 2692255

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