Laser Treatment Care

Laser treatments will revolutionize your anti aging skin care regimen.  Once you have answered the questions below, your medical aesthetic practitioner will be able to prescribe a treatment plan that is best suited for your skin concerns and skin type, whether it be laser treatments or alternative therapies. Be sure to follow our pre laser treatment care tips for the best results.

Pre Laser Treatment Care

• Have you spent any extended amount of time outside in the sun? If you have been laying by the pool, hiking or taking prolonged daily walks, you may not be a candidate for laser treatment at this time. If you currently have a tan, we can not safely treat your skin with a laser. Be sure to take care and avoid extended sun-exposure for a minimum 14 days before your laser treatment.
• Have you used any tanning lotions, self-bronzers, spray tans or gone to a tanning bed? We can not safely treat your skin if you  have a tan.  Be sure to avoid tanning of any kind for minimum 14 days before your laser treatment.

• Do you have any tattoos over the area that you would like treated? We can not treat any area of skin with a tattoo as it could damage the pigment in your tattoo.

• Are you prone to getting cold sores or have you had any cold or flu symptoms in the last 30 days? If yes, antivirals must be started anywhere from 3-5 days before your laser treatment, and in some cases, 3-5 days post laser treatment.

• Are you on any type of blood thinners, antibiotics, steroids, or other medications we should be aware of? In most cases you must be off the antibiotics for 14 days before your laser treatment.

• Do you use any topical products like Retin-A, harsh exfoliating products or take Accutane? You must have a full 14 days with no use of any topical Retin-A’s/Retinoids before receiving your laser treatment. You must be off of Accutane for a minimum of 12 months before receiving your laser treatment.
• Do you have any type of autoimmune deficiency or blood disorder even as simple as diabetes? In most cases a doctors note may be required, please consult with our office before receiving treatment.
• Do you have any history or surgeries, cancer, or epilepsy? In most cases a doctors note may be required, please consult with our office before receiving treatment.
• Do you have any type of skin condition like melasma, eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo? In most cases a doctors note may be required, please consult with our office before receiving treatment.
• Are you prone to keloid scarring? We cannot treat clients with laser that are prone to keloid scarring.
• Is there any possibility that you may be pregnant or nursing at this time? We’re very happy for you. Unfortunately, you cannot be pregnant or breast feeding and receive laser treatments. However, you, are eligible as soon you are done.
• Do you have any type of pacemaker or defibrillator? If so, our radiofrequency treatments cannot be performed due to safety reasons.

If you are not sure if it is safe to receive laser treatments while on a medication, or because of a medical or skin condition, please give us a call at 480-290-7333 for your complimentary consultation for pre laser treatment care.

Post Laser Treatment Care

When you choose to get a laser treatment, it really is up to you what results you see. As a client, once you walk out the door of the treatment room, you will play the biggest role in your recovery and results. When you get a laser treatment, your skin will need to be properly cared for post laser treatment in order for you to optimize your results and heal.

Immediately following your laser treatment, the redness may increase within 48 hours. Your skin may feel like the sting of a sunburn after the treatment and this feeling may last up to 3 days.  While pain is unusual after the first couple of days, your skin can feel tight, dry, and itchy.

We invite you to follow our post laser treatment care instructions which will help you feel comfortable, and help your skin heal for optimal results.

• Sun exposure may cause hyperpigmentation.  Stay out of the direct rays of the sun.  
• Use a UVA UVB sunscreen of at least 30 SPF or more, even if you will be in the shade.  Use a hat, and UV protected sunglasses if you must be out in the sun.  
• Use Tylenol as needed for any discomfort.
• The expected response following treatment is usually redness and possible swelling of the treated skin. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling for up to 48 hours.  
• Do not pick at your open wounds.  You need to treat your skin delicately – do not pick or exfoliate your skin until your skin heals.
• Apply prescribed skin care products.  For your post laser treatment care we prescribe Cohley Gel for the treatment area and to keep your face constantly moist.  You are also prescribed to apply a CU3 Post-Laser Lotion 3 times per day as needed.  
• Use proper hygiene. Cover your pillow with a fresh clean pillowcase. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and water twice a day. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly prior to washing your face. Keep your face away from potential bacteria producing items like your cell phone, pillowcase, or sunglasses.
• Do not use makeup until your skin has completely healed from your laser treatment.
• Do not exercise, use a sauna, Jacuzzi, or any other activity that will heat up the temperature of your body.
• Apply a vinegar and distilled water solution to the treated skin 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes with gauze. This will deeply cleanse and help to heal your skin post laser treatment.

*This may not be a full and complete list of contraindications or post laser treatment care. Please call the National Laser Institute Med Spa at 480-290-7333 or click here to schedule a consultation or to ask questions regarding post treatment protocols. Follow up client care is vital to your treatment experience.