3 weeks prior to the procedure:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure 3 weeks prior to treatment (this includes tanning beds, tanning pills and spray tans)

• Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30+ zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunblock. This should be applied thoroughly to all areas intended for treatment.

• Additional sun protective measures such as a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing will help to protect your skin before and following your treatment.

• No active ingredients for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment (discuss skincare products with ingredients): Vitamin A, Vitamin C, retinols, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, kojic acid

1 week prior to treatment:

• Take electrolytes twice daily 1 week prior to treatment day

• Easy exercise the week before, low intensity workouts. No heavy lifting that will create muscle fibre tearing.

5 days before treatment:

• No anti-inflammatories 3 days before treatment (Advil, Motrin, Tylenol)

• Topical hydration is key. Use a very hydrating moisturizer and serum. Moisturize either by using a quality non-irritating and unperfumed moisturizer day and night, or a water-based mask daily.

• Drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day and avoid types of food and drink that dehydrate.

• If you develop any sort of infection prior to treatment, please call the clinic to advise them as the treatment date may have to be rescheduled. 

• If you start any new medication after the initial consultation, please call the clinic to advise me. 

Make-up and other facial products:

• Do not wear any make-up on the day of treatment. Do not use mascara.

• On the evening/day before the appointment, remove all hair from the treatment area.

• No perfume or cologne to be applied to the treatment area.

- Please remove contact lenses prior to the procedure. Wear eyeglasses or bring a contact lens case with you.

Procedure Day
On the day of the procedure please try to arrive with no make-up. If you wish to shower, please do so before the procedure. After the procedure, wait 48 hours to shower again. Remove contact lenses and wear glasses if necessary. After the consent form and photos, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. Multiple settings may be used for different areas of the face and body. When the treatment is finished, do not apply any gels, or anything wet to the area. The heat (sunburn-like) will dissipate over the next few hours. Cold spoons, lightly held to the treated area with help soothe.  DO NOT PICK!

The Healing Process
You will look your worst the next day as healing times vary depending on the individual, but generally you can expect your face to heal within 5-7 days (depending on the type of treatment). Make sure to wear a large hat and/or sunglasses if you will be exposed to the sun. In some aggressive treatments, very slight oozing may occur. Swelling of the face and/or eyes is common, and typically begins to reduce by the third day after treatment. Sleeping with your head elevated can help decrease swelling. Almost everyone experiences itching, which can range from mild to intense. Taking Benadryl (an oral antihistamine) can be helpful. Gently pressing a clean spoon onto the skin also helps to relieve itchiness. Itching usually lasts a few days or until the area starts to peel. DO NOT PICK!

Day 1 and Day 2
No water or steam to the treated area, keep dry and clean. Cleanse the other areas of your face, keeping the treated area dry.

Day 3 onward
Use a diluted gentle gel cleanser (dab on the treated area). Splash water to the area to remove the cleanser. Dab dry with paper towel or a clean towel.

The skin may feel tender to the touch, so be gentle and careful. Continue daily to cleanse the treated area with a mild cleanser for up to 30 days.  Do not exfoliate the area, be gentle when rubbing.

Day 5 – Skin Cover
Use tinted mineral-based sunscreen sparingly to the ocular bone area only once a day.  Do not apply cream on the lower lid or close to the eye. 

Once the superficial scabs start to exfoliate, the skin underneath will be pink and will return to its natural color in a few weeks. Around day 4-5 you may notice skin starting to peel off. Do not pull, peel, or scrap the skin off. Just let the skin naturally slough off in the cleansing process. In the shower make sure to cover your face from shampoos and body soaps. DO NOT PICK!

Product use: Once the scabs have exfoliated off, it is important to apply a mineral-based sunscreen 3-4 times a day. (Unless otherwise advised by your clinic, based on your genetic background.) During hot climates or prolonged outdoor exposure, it is also recommended to apply a SPF of at least 40 often. The sunscreen portion of the post-treatment care must be carried out every day for at least 30 days once the superficial scabs come off.  Even if you're inside.

Follow-up: Your follow-up appointments will generally be scheduled 30 days post-procedure. Do not use exfoliating products on the skin for 4 weeks. If you feel that you are having an unusual problem with the treatment, please contact the clinic. 

Medications: If you are prone to cold sores, have your doctor prescribe Valtrex (an anti-viral medication) which is used to prevent viral outbreaks on your skin and cold sores. Tylenol is recommended for pain or you can seek a prescription from your physician.