Pro‑Fractional Laser Resurfacing Aftercare Instructions

Post-operative instructions. Pro-Fractional resurfacing laser treatments. Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you wash, moisturize, or touch your skin. It is imperative that you wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria and infection. Some pinpoint bleeding is typical in the first couple of days.

Do not let crusting form on treated areas. To avoid this crusting, cleanse treated areas 5 to 6 times per day with a clean washcloth and the Ultra Calm cleansing cream. Use the post-procedure recovery balm for 1 week. Keep the skin moist. Do not let the areas dry out. After a week, you can switch to the post-procedure repair cream.

Occasional itching may occur. Do not pick, rub, or force off any skin during the healing process. Doing so could result in scarring and infection. Cleanse your face 5 to 6 times daily with the Ultra Calm cleansing cream. Soak a clean thin face cloth or gauze square with warm water and let it sit on the skin for a couple of minutes before washing the face. A recommended option is to step into the shower to cleanse your face. Be sure the water is warm, not hot or cold, and you do not let the water pound on your face. Bleeding may occur and that is normal. The skin should be clean and pink.

Treatment to your eyelids will result in some swelling and redness. Cleanse the eye area with warm water. If dryness of your eyes becomes an issue, use lubricating drops such as Refresh Tears or other artificial tears. Do not use Visine or other drops with a vasoconstrictor.

Redness and swelling are expected. Sleeping elevated on extra pillows at a 30 to 45° angle for the first 24 to 48 hours will help reduce swelling. Rest. Avoid salt, strenuous exercise, sweating, bending, stooping, or lifting heavy objects for 7 to 10 days after treatment. No hot tubs, steam, sauna, or hot showers. These activities may cause swelling, pain, and may delay healing. Do not press cell phones to your face for the first 72 hours post treatment.

Keep the treated laser areas away from all pets. Do not let them lick the balm, sleep in the same bedding as you, and limit direct contact. Be certain that your bedding is free of animal hair.

Take all of your antiviral prescription, acyclovir. Do not stop prematurely. Extra Strength Tylenol is allowed for any discomfort. If needed, Dr. Rankin may also prescribe pain medication, which should be taken with food.

Avoid exposure to sunlight for at least 6 months. Use a hat and other protective wear over treated areas. Your skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun after having treatments. It is very important to use sunblock that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to prevent sun damage to the skin. Sunblock of SPF 30, included in kit, and above should be applied after completing the use of balm thereafter.

Signs of infection can be fever of 101° Fahrenheit or greater, pus material, extreme pain and skin that is hot to the touch, redness, a rash that does not disappear. If you experience an outbreak of a herpetic lesion, cold sore, or anything that is unusual and was not discussed, please do not hesitate to call 415-727-9666.

Be patient. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to see improvement. This treatment stimulates collagen growth, but it takes time to happen. Collagen rebuilding will continue to show improvement for 6 months before it stabilizes.

Contact NorCal Plastic Surgery at 415-727-9666. Call immediately for severe or increasing pain after 72 hours, excessive or rapidly worsening swelling, pus-like drainage, increasing warmth, spreading redness or foul odor, fever of 101.5° Fahrenheit or higher, blisters, extreme itching, new rash, eye pain or vision changes, or any symptom that concerns you.