Pre-Treatment:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure 3 weeks prior to treatment. You may not be able to be treated if you have a tan or are sunburnt.

• Skin should be free of self-tanner. You will not be able to receive treatment if there is artificial pigment on the skin.

• Skin should be void of makeup, creams and lotions prior to treatment.

• For face treatments, beard stubble should be thoroughly removed in the treatment area prior to treatment.

• All cuts, wounds or infected skin must be completely healed prior to treatment.

• Discontinue acetaminophen and ibuprofen 24 hours prior to treatment. If acetaminophen or ibuprofen are taking regularly, discontinue 5-7 days before treatment.

What To Expect:

• Facial photos will be taken.

• Your face will be cleansed and prepped with alcohol prior to treatment.

• A numbing drop will be instilled in your eyes, which will sting briefly. Stainless steel laser grade corneal shields will be inserted under your eyelids.

• Cool ultrasound gel will be applied to the treatment area.

• During the treatment, when a pulse is fired you may experience heat, bright light even with the shields in and discomfort which can be described as a sting while others liken it to a rubber band snap.

• After the treatment, the gel will be removed and sunscreen applied.

Contradictions:

• Exposure to sun or artificial tanning 3-4 weeks prior to treatment

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Any major uncontrolled health problem (diabetes); cancer, in particular, skin cancer; epilepsy; active skin diseases (psoriasis, vitiligo); diseases which may be stimulated by light (lupus); hormonal disorders, unless under control; history of bleeding disorders and use of anticoagulants; active infection of herpes simplex in the treatment; history of Keloid scarring.

• Use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last 6 months. Current use of photosensitive medication (i.e. doxycycline) and herbs (i.e. St. John's Wart)

• Patients under 18 years of age for hair removal and patients under 25 years of age for photo facials

• History of gold therapy

• Botox/filler within 2 weeks

• Surgery or major laser resurfacing within 6-12 months (requires doctors release)

Post-Treatment

• You may experience mild swelling and/or redness, which can last for 1-3 days. You may experience eye sensitivity. Cool compresses and/or aloe vera will reduce the discomfort. Brown spots on your skin may turn darker; they will flake off in about a week.

• Vascularity (veins/capillaries) may appear darker immediately post treatment before dissipating.

• If skin is retaining heat post treatment an ice pack should be applied to area immediately and reapplied as needed (avoid applying directly over eyes).

• If you develop a blister or scab, wash gently, keep moisturized, avoid sun exposure, and call our office for assistance.

• Sunscreen must be used daily while undergoing treatments with frequent applications. This means every day for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after each treatment.

• Avoid exfoliating face washes and use a gentle facial cleanser for the next 3-5 days.

• Topical products containing glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxyl acid products may be resumed 1-3 days after treatment.

• No use of Retin-A, or similar products containing isotretinoin, for 6 months after the treatment.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 1-2 days, alcohol and airplane travel for 24 hours after treatment.

• Avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 2-4 days.

• Rosacea patients should avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.)