1. Stop all skin care products containing tretinoin (Retin-A) and AHA’s (glycolic acid) seven days  before your procedure.

2. Do not schedule important social activities, meetings, etc., after the procedure.  Most patients’ skin returns to normal by the following day.  However, if you have sensitive skin and/or rosacea, you can have swelling and redness for several days!  Sunspots will darken and flake off in one week.

3. Take 600-800mg ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) the morning of the procedure with food.  If you cannot tolerate ibuprofen, then take 650-1000mg Tylenol.

4. Arrive without makeup or be prepared to remove makeup in the office.

1. Do not use Retin-A, Differin, retinol, scrubs, or any exfoliatives for one week after the laser procedure.

2. Take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Tylenol for pain.

3. If you have swelling on your face and neck, apply cool compresses every hour.  

4. Apply Aquaphor ointment or aloe vera to the treated areas 3x/day until the skin becomes normal.  If significant crusting or ulceration occurs, change to a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bacitracin, Neomycin, etc.). 

5. Protecting your skin after laser treatments:   

a. A sunblock containing zinc oxide is recommended, and is available through our office.  This should be applied to your face every morning, even if it is cloudy outside.

b. Avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm.

c. Wear a wide brimmed hat.

 

1. Topical anesthetic cream (LMX 5)

a. Purchase LMX from the office; it is cheaper than the pharmacy.

b. Apply a thick layer of LMX cream to the areas that are being treated one hour before your appointment.  Cover the LMX4 with saran wrap, which increases the penetration of the topical anesthetic.

2. Take 600-800mg ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) the morning of the procedure with food.  If you cannot tolerate ibuprofen, then take 650-1000mg Tylenol.

3. After the treatment, apply Aquaphor healing ointment 3x/day or more and cover with a Telfa nonadhesive gauze.  It will take 5-7 days for the skin to completely heal. 

4. Anticipate 5-10 treatments every 1-2 months.

NOTICE:  FULL PAYMENT will be required at the time of scheduling.  

The laser is brought to Dr. TerKonda’s once a month, and the rental fee is very expensive. The deposit will be retained for ALL cancellations to cover the rental.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us about this policy.