Before your Treatment
- Reduce the sun exposure of the treatment area as much as possible for up to four weeks before your treatment. Heavy sun exposure can cause post-treatment complications.
- Do not use tanning beds or sunless tanning cream for four weeks prior as it will make the laser less effective.
- Be sure to stay off any medication that may make your skin photosensitive (such as antibiotics) for 10 days before your procedure.
- Remove all makeup, creams, or oils from the treatment area prior to your treatment.
After your Treatment
- Cleanse the treated area at least daily with warm water and mild soap, and then pat the area dry.
- Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
- If crusting or scabbing occurs, do not shave or pick the area. Apply Aquaphor ointment (for tattoo removals) or a moisturizer (for facial treatments) to the area two to three times a day. Keep the area moist, and let the crusting or scabbing resolve on its own.
- If you are prone to break outs or have oily skin, consider waiting 24 hours before applying any topical products.
- Discomfort may be relived by cold gel packs and/or over the counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen.
- Avoid contact sports or any other activity that could cause injury to the treated area.
- Avoid swimming, soaking, or using hot tubs until the skin heals.
- Contact the physician if there is any indication of infection (redness, tenderness, or pus).
- Eat a healthy diet. We suggest adding more papaya and pineapple to your diet.
- Supplement your diet with more Vitamin C.
- Always use sunscreen (SPA 30+) when outdoors.
For tattoo removal
- After cleansing and while the skin is still moist, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment to the treated tattoo.
- Apply a non-stick pad over the tattoo until it is healed.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treated area. Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply the sunscreen to the treatment area every two hours when exposed to the sun.
- Clean area daily with mild soap and water and pat dry.
- Do not shave the treated area if crusting is evident.
- Apply moisturizers for sensitive skin as needed.
- For patients who are prone to break outs or have sebaceous skin, consider waiting 24 hours before applying any topical products.
- Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
- Discomfort may be relived by using cool gel packs or acetaminophen.
- If blistering occurs, keep the area moist by applying Aquaphor three times a day or antibiotic ointment per the recommendation of the physician.
- Do not enter swimming pools or hot tubs until the treated areas are healed (at least 48 hours after treatment).
