What to Expect
Laser Pixel treatments may produce side effects, which can vary in intensity and duration based on the aggressiveness of the treatment and your individual healing characteristics. Generally, more aggressive treatments result in more intense and longer-lasting side effects. However, some patients receiving less aggressive treatments may experience unexpectedly significant side effects, while others with more aggressive treatments may have milder reactions. If the severity of your side effects becomes concerning, please notify your provider.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure.
- Do not drink coffee or caffeine within 3 hours before treatment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Take Tylenol 30 minutes before your session to minimize discomfort (avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen).
- Exfoliate the skin 24 hours before treatment.
- Discontinue the use of active skincare products (brightening soaps, scrubs, etc.) 3 days prior.
What You May Feel and Look Like
Immediately after the treatment, you can expect redness, swelling, and sometimes pinpoint bleeding, with the most noticeable swelling occurring the morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling typically lasts 2-3 days. To minimize swelling, please follow these recommendations:
- Redness, swelling, and occasional pinpoint bleeding, especially noticeable the morning after treatment, particularly around the eyes.
- Swelling typically resolves within 2-3 days.
- Heat sensations and occasional oozing in some areas may occur over the next few days.
- Skin may appear bronzed or develop small dark dots as the treated tissue sheds and new skin regenerates.
- Treated skin may feel dry, peel, or flake, often taking on a “sandpaper” texture. This is normal and part of the healing process, which lasts 3-7 days for facial areas and up to 2 weeks for other areas like hands or arms.
- Sleep with a fresh pillowcase and fresh sheets if the treatment area involves your body to reduce the risk of infection.
In the following days, you may experience intense heat sensations and occasional oozing in isolated areas. Redness may worsen, and while swelling might be minimal, some discomfort can occur. You may also notice a bronzed appearance or small dark dots on the treated area. Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake, developing a “sandpaper” texture as the treated tissue sheds and new skin regenerates. This process is normal and typically completes within 3-7 days for facial treatments and may take up to 2 weeks for off-face areas, like hands and arms. After sloughing, some pinkness may remain for several weeks, but most redness will resolve within the first week. If desired, you can use makeup to help conceal the redness. Itching may also occur.
Important Reminders
- After Day 7, you may begin using a non-irritating moisturizer and SPF.
- Wait 14 days post-treatment before reintroducing any active products or exfoliants, and avoid scrubbing or rubbing the treated area.
Basic Post-Care Instructions
Your basic post-treatment skin care regimen is tailored to your specific treatment. Please follow the instructions below:
Day 1
- Apply post-procedure ointment every 3 hours.
- Cleanse your skin with an antibacterial cleanser in the evening and apply a thin layer of post-procedure ointment.
- Sleep with fresh sheets.
- You may take Tylenol but avoid anti-inflammatories like naproxen and ibuprofen.
- Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using exfoliants until at least 14 days post-procedure, and keep clothing away from treated areas to prevent irritation.
- You may take an antihistamine for the first 48 hours.
Days 2-4
- Each morning, cleanse your skin with an antibacterial cleanser and apply a thin layer of post-procedure ointment. Reapply every 3 hours throughout the day.
- Each evening, repeat the cleansing and ointment application.
Days 5-12
- Each morning, cleanse your skin with an antibacterial cleanser and apply a thin layer of post-procedure ointment.
- Each evening, repeat the cleansing and ointment application.
First Week of Healing
- Keep the treated area clean.
- Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, strenuous exercise, swimming, and exposing your skin to heat and sun.
Avoid:
- Abrasive scrubs, toners, glycolic acid, and Retin A for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
AnteAGE Exosomes Post-Care Instructions
If you opted for the AnteAGE Exosome treatment, please follow these specific instructions:
Post-Treatment Care
- Leave the exosomes infused during the procedure on your skin for 24 hours.
Day-by-Day Instructions
- Day 1: Do not cleanse; leave exosomes on the skin. Apply no products.
- Day 2-4: Cleanse with an antibacterial cleanser. Apply post-procedure serum morning and night after cleansing and every 3 hours throughout the day.
- Day 5-6: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Apply post-procedure serum morning and night.
- Day 7: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Apply post-procedure serum morning and night; begin using broad-spectrum SPF in the morning. Gradually reintroduce your regular skincare products, avoiding active ingredients until your skin feels completely healed.
- Ensure makeup brushes and applicators are thoroughly cleaned to avoid infections.
AnteAGE Brightening Stem Cell Aftercare Instructions
If you opted for the AnteAGE Stem Cell treatment, please follow these specific instructions:
Day-by-Day Instructions
- Day 1: Do not cleanse skin. Apply 1 pump each of AnteAGE MD® Serum, AnteAGE MD® Accelerator before bed.
- Day 2: AM: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Apply 1 pump each of AnteAGE MD® Serum, AnteAGE MD® Accelerator. PM: Apply 1 pump each of AnteAGE MD® Serum, AnteAGE MD® Accelerator, and 1 pump of Brightener.
- Day 3-6: AM/PM Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser, Continue applying all 3 AnteAGE AM/PM.
- Day 7: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Continue applying AnteAGE AM/PM; begin using SPF.
AnteAGE Stem Cell Aftercare Instructions
If you opted for the AnteAGE Stem Cell treatment, please follow these specific instructions:
Day-by-Day Instructions
- Day 1: Do not cleanse skin. Apply 1 pump each of AnteAGE MD® Serum, AnteAGE MD® Accelerator, and AnteAGE® Hyaluronic Acid before bed.
- Day 2-6: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Continue applying AnteAGE AM/PM.
- Day 7: Cleanse with the antibacterial cleanser. Continue applying AnteAGE AM/PM; begin using SPF.
Normal Skin Care Regimen
Once sloughing is complete, you may resume your regular skin care, provided they are tolerable. Active ingredients like vitamin A, C, or acids can be reintroduced after 14 days, while hydroquinone (clear and blender) can resume after 10 days.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is crucial to prevent sun damage. Use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher daily for at least 3 months after treatment. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. If sun exposure is necessary, wear protective clothing and a hat. Consistent sunscreen use can reduce the risk of laser-induced hyperpigmentation.
Moisturizer
Peeling and flaking are normal during healing. Use a non-irritating and non-clogging moisturizer; consider options from the recommended brands. You may also use moisturizers with SPF 30+ and reapply whenever your skin feels dry.
Bleaching Creams
Discontinue any bleaching creams while your skin is tender.
Cold Sores
If you have a history of cold sores, please consult your provider about care.
Abnormal Healing
Contact us immediately if you notice any blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting, areas of raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, or any pigment changes.
Questions/Concerns
Healing varies from patient to patient. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (602) 952-8446 or text us at (602) 878-9298 and ask for Saharra.
Thank you for allowing me to guide you on your journey to healthier, rejuvenated skin. I am committed to supporting you throughout your treatment plan. Your progress and satisfaction are my top priorities, and I look forward to assisting you during this process.
