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THE TOP LAYER OF YOUR SKIN HAS BEEN REMOVED; YOU ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SKIN REACTIONS.
DO NOT PUT ANYTHING ON YOUR FACE INCLUDING ANTIBIOTICS, LOTIONS OR SHAMPOO THAT WAS NOT GIVEN TO YOU BY THE DOCTOR!
Days 1 and 2
- The skin will feel very hot for about 30 minute to 3 hours after the treatment.
- The next couple days you it may feel tight slightly sunburned but if there is significant discomfort contact the office.
- It is normal to have moderate to significant swelling around the eyes. Sleeping with your head elevated will help decrease any inflammation.
Days 3 and 4
- The skin usually sloughs on day 3-4, it is normal to have mild to moderate itching.
- Do not pick, scrub or irritate your skin, this may increase the chances of scaring.
- The skin may darken and show a honeycomb pattern before it peels.
- Your skin will be very sensitive to cleaning agents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets and anything else with a fragrance or detergent for the next few days.
- Redness may last up to a few weeks.
Instructions
Apply a cool pack directly on the skin to relieve any discomfort after the procedure. You may also use 800mg Ibuprofen (taken with meals) or 1000mg Acetaminophen every 6 hours for discomfort as needed. 25-50mg of Benadryl work well for minor itching.
Apply Aquaphor to treated areas at least 3-4 times a day to maintain a moist layer on the treated area until the skin has sloughed off. If the skin is dry or starts to scab apply more Aquaphor. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before application.
You can either wash your skin twice a day with Cetaphil or apply a clean towel soaked in a mixture of 1 tbsp regular white vinegar with 2 cups water 3-4 times a day (you can keep it in the refrigerator). Make sure to reapply Aquaphor after washing or soaking.
You may shower but do not let shampoo or hair products get on the face (the fragrances and dyes can cause significant irritation). Apply Aquaphor after showering.
Limit direct sun light exposure and start using a broad spectrum sunscreen with titanium or zinc and a minimum SPF of 30 after the skin sloughs off. This is very important to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).
Discontinue any Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid (i.e. glycolic), beta hydroxy acid (i.e. salicilic) products for two weeks. You may resume using the rest your regular skin care regiment and a mineral make-up after the majority of the skin has sloughed off.
Follow up with the doctor as scheduled and call the office immediately at 303-683-3235 if you experience any of the following: severe itching, oozing from the treated area, increased pain, signs of herpetic out break (cold sore, tingling or pain around the lips)
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