Cosmetic & Laser Treatment
Aftercare Instructions

Dermal Filler: Pre- and Post-Care

Before your treatment

• For one week before, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements to reduce bruising: aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, and Aleve, and supplements such as garlic, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, St. John's Wort, and omega-3. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, check with your doctor before stopping aspirin.
• Tell your provider if you have a history of cold sores, so antiviral therapy can be arranged (valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily).
• Avoid topical retinoids (Retin-A, retinol), glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and anti-aging products for two days before and after.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before or after, to limit bruising.
• Dermal fillers are not used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredient, or have certain neurological disorders.
• Arnica (available at health-food stores) can help with bruising and swelling. Start ideally two days before your treatment.

After your treatment

• Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area unless your provider instructs otherwise.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and makeup for 24 hours.
• Avoid extended sun or heat for 72 hours.
• Avoid excess alcohol or salt, which can worsen swelling.
• For swelling, apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour, and use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort.
• Sleep face up and slightly elevated if you have swelling.
• Wait a minimum of four weeks before any laser treatment.

Dermal fillers last, on average, 9 to 12 months. The most common side effects (bruising, swelling, redness) are temporary and resolve. Call the office if you notice any additional side effects.

Laser & Light Treatments: Pre- and Post-Care

These general instructions apply to laser and light treatments such as BBL and IPL photofacials, laser hair reduction, KTP, and other non-ablative lasers.

Before your treatment

• If you have a history of cold sores, tell your provider. You may be prescribed an antiviral such as valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily before and after.
• Stop the following products 7 days before and after: topical retinoids (Retin-A, retinol), glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids, and any anti-aging or exfoliating products.
• Minimize direct sun exposure before your appointment.

After your treatment

• Cleanse with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser, and pat dry. Do not scrub, exfoliate, or use harsh products for at least one week.
• Avoid makeup and strenuous exercise for 7 days.
• Avoid UV exposure for 2 weeks, and apply a mineral sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily.
• Limit alcohol and salty foods, which can contribute to swelling. Apply a cool compress gently to reduce redness or puffiness.
• Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) and a cool pack as needed for discomfort.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
• Keep skin moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free product as often as needed to relieve dryness or tightness.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: Recovery

This applies to ablative fractional laser resurfacing such as ProFractional and CO2 treatments.

Before your treatment

• Discontinue Accutane (isotretinoin) at least one year before an ablative laser treatment.
• Stop topical retinol, tretinoin, and hydroquinone, and any lactic, glycolic, or phytic acid products, one week before treatment.
• Ablative resurfacing is best suited to lighter skin tones. For darker skin tones there is a higher risk of pigment changes such as hypopigmentation, which your provider will discuss with you. Ablative CO2 is also avoided over active acne.
• Plan for about one to two weeks of downtime. Redness can last from a few days to a few weeks.

After your treatment

Immediately after treatment, your skin may be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching, or stinging may last a few days. Depending on the treatment, the skin may appear raw, ooze a yellow fluid, and even blister. Do not scratch or pick at skin that crusts, as this can cause scarring or lead to infection. Your new skin will at first appear pink, and it should gradually fade over the next two to three months. If you have a history of cold sores, make sure your provider knows so recurrence can be prevented with antiviral medication.

Day 1 to 2

• Apply cold packs and ointment (Vaseline or Aquaphor).
• Consider sleeping on an extra pillow to reduce swelling.
• Take pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen if needed.

Day 2 to 7

• Begin showering and gently washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice daily.
• Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to all treated areas.
• Avoid the sun and use a fragrance-free SPF 30 sunscreen. Expect some sloughing and peeling of the skin surface.

Longer term

• Avoid aggressive facial treatments such as tretinoin or glycolic acid for four weeks, and any topical products that may cause irritation for six weeks after treatment.
• Avoid activities that can cause flushing for two weeks after treatment.
• Do not smoke. Smoking slows the healing process.

MicroLaserPeel: Pre- and Post-Care

The MicroLaserPeel (also called a micro-laser peel) is an erbium YAG laser that removes a precise depth of the skin's surface, measured in microns and chosen by your Belaray dermatologist. It treats fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, texture and tone, and some scars. Depending on the depth you and your physician choose, downtime ranges from about 1 to 7 days.

Before your treatment

• Do not wax the area for one week before or after treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure and indoor tanning for at least two weeks before. Your skin should not be tan on the day of the procedure. For darker skin tones, your physician may recommend a lightening agent to prepare the skin.
• Avoid retinols and retinoids for 2 to 7 days before and after, depending on the depth of your peel.
• Tell your provider if you are prone to cold sores, since the laser can trigger an outbreak and preventive medication may be prescribed.
• For deeper peels, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed to lower the risk of infection.
• Let your provider know if you have taken Accutane (isotretinoin) within the past year.
• Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your appointment so numbing cream can be applied. For a deep peel, your physician may also use local anesthesia.

After your treatment

Your Belaray dermatologist will review detailed instructions on the day of treatment, including how to wash your face and which creams or ointments to apply. Gentle skin care, keeping the skin well moisturized, and protecting it from sunlight are essential for healing. Keep your body well hydrated in the days around your peel. It is normal to have some redness or slight darkening of the skin, peeling, and a sunburn-like or itching sensation in the days that follow. How strong these are and how long they last depend on the depth of the peel.

Most patients see improvement within days, and results continue to improve over time, especially with a series of treatments. Protecting your skin from UV light with daily sunscreen and protective clothing helps your results last.

RF Microneedling: Pre- and Post-Care

RF (radiofrequency) microneedling is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation treatment. Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries while delivering radiofrequency heat to the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. At Belaray it is performed with the Cutera Secret Pro. It can improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, stretch marks, loose or sagging skin along the jawline, neck, and face, and uneven texture, including surgical or traumatic scars.

Before your treatment

• For one week before, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, retinoids, AHAs and BHAs, and exfoliants.
• RF microneedling is not performed if you have an active infection, a cold-sore outbreak, or a recent chemical peel or laser treatment.
• Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment so topical numbing cream can be applied.

After your treatment

• Mild redness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding can occur for 24 to 72 hours.
• Avoid makeup and harsh skin products for 24 hours.
• Apply a barrier ointment for the first 24 to 72 hours while the skin heals.
• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
• Avoid sun exposure, saunas, and heavy exercise for at least 48 hours.

Some improvement may be visible within a few weeks, and the skin continues to improve for up to six months as new collagen forms. A series of 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typically recommended, with maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

PRP Therapy: Pre- and Post-Care

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses cells from your own blood, so there are no preservatives and no chance of your body rejecting the cells. The main risks relate to the blood draw: a slight pinch when the needle is placed, and the possibility of bruising at the site. This guidance applies to PRP for hair growth and to PRP used for the skin.

Before your treatment

• For one week before, avoid blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements to reduce bruising at the draw site: aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Motrin, and Aleve. Very high doses of some vitamins and supplements can also thin the blood.
• Tell your provider if you take Coumadin, Plavix, or any other blood thinner for a medical condition. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner without checking first.
• Eat within two hours of your appointment and drink plenty of water.

After your treatment

• It is normal to have redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, tingling, numbness, lumpiness, or a feeling of pressure or fullness at the injection sites. A cold gel pack or ice can be applied gently right after treatment to reduce swelling.
• To limit bruising, avoid alcohol for at least six hours and avoid blood thinners such as aspirin and NSAIDs for several days. Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) if you need something for discomfort.
• Do not touch or scrub the injection sites for 12 hours after treatment.