Procedure Day – On the day of the procedure please try to arrive with no make-up. If you wish to shower please do so before the procedure. After the procedure we ask you to wait 24 hours to shower again. Remove contact lenses and wear glasses if necessary.
- There may be some mild to moderate swelling to the treated area(s). Expect moderate to excessive swelling around the eyes.
- You may experience a “burning” or “stinging” sensation in the treated area(s) immediately after treatment and up to 24 hours after treatment. This is the normal sensation of heat exiting the skin. You can use an ice pack to help relieve this sensation. Cold spoons are also ideal.
- After treating areas of the face, sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling.
- It is unlikely you will ever get an infection from a Plexr treatment as the wound we cause is not open. However, the first 12 hours post-treatment is of vital importance in protecting you from any kind of potential infection so please avoid any activities where you could expose yourself to contaminants, meaning going to the gym, public places where you can pick up germs by touching things then touching your skin.
- No high intensity exercise and excessive sweating for at least 3-5 days.
- Use of makeup to the treated area(s) during the first 5-7 days following your treatment is highly discouraged because the application or removal of makeup could prematurely disrupt the scabs before they are ready to fall off.
*DO NOT PICK AT THE TREATMENT AREA
The Healing Process – You will look your worst the next day as healing times vary depending on the individual but generally you can expect the following: Face 5-7 days (depending on the type of treatment). Make sure to wear a large hat and/or sunglasses if will be exposed to the sun. Swelling of the face and/or eyes is common, and typically begins to reduce by the third day after treatment. Almost everyone experiences itching, which can range from mild to intense. Taking a Benadryl (an oral antihistamine) can be helpful. Gently pressing a clean spoon onto the skin also helps to relieve itchiness. Itching usually lasts a few days or until the area starts to peel.
Day 1 -24 hours – NO Water or Steam to the treated area, Keep Dry and clean.
- Cleanse the untreated areas of your face, keeping the treated area dry. Cetaphil may be used with a dry cotton pad on these areas.
- If you are experiencing a fair amount of discomfort, you can take Advil (Ibuprofen) to help with the swelling.
Day 2&3 – 48-72 hours Treat -Advanced Native Collagen+HA
- 24hr post treatment, gently pat skin with tepid water to cleanse area and allow to dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Eltraderm Advanced Native Collagen+HA to the treated area. Pat/press into skin do not massage This can be done morning and night.
This is active collagen that is replenishing and hydrating deep layer of the dermis. The skin may feel tender to touch, so be gentle and careful. Do not rub skin.
Day 4 – Onward– Follow these steps
- Cleanse – Gentle Facial Cleanser – 1 pump morning and night apply full face and neck, emulsify and rinse with water. Continue cleansing treated area with mild cleanser for up to 30 days. Do not exfoliate area, be gentle when rubbing.
- Treat- apply Advanced Native collagen + HA morning & night pat/press into skin do not massage.
- Protect – Morning ONLY – Apply full face and neck Elta MD Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 after collagen gel has fully penetrated. This product is free of chemical active ingredients ideal for post procedure. Lightly tinted, oil free provides a matte finish to conceal and has exceptional antioxidant properties.
Once the superficial scabs start to exfoliate, the skin underneath will be pink and will return to its natural color in a few weeks. Around day 3-4 you may notice skin starting to peel off. Do not pull, peel, or scrap the skin off. Just let the skin naturally slough off in the cleansing process. In the shower make sure to cover your face from shampoos and body soaps. DO NOT PICK
Follow-up – Your follow-up appointments will generally be scheduled in 30-days post-procedure. Do not use exfoliating products on the skin for 4 weeks. If you feel that you are having an unusual problem with the treatment, please contact the office.
Medications – If you are prone to cold sores have your doctor prescribe Valtrex (an anti-viral medication) which is used to prevent viral outbreaks on your skin and cold sores – if you have a history of them). Tylenol is recommended for pain or a prescription from your physician.
In the Following Days/Weeks After Your Treatment:
- It is normal for the area that has been treated to feel tight and dry. Weeping in the treatment area is very normal and will settle, tiny crusts will quickly form on the treated area. These may be visible for up to about a week. The crusts/scabs will become darker before they fall off.
- Do NOT pick crusts off as this will delay the healing process and could cause scarring.
- If washing your hair after treating areas on the face, we advise that you do NOT stand with your face under a hot shower or direct water from shower head for the first 7 days. This could increase swelling. Try to avoid shower gels or hair products running on to your face as this could cause irritation. If water does get on the area treated, blot very gently with a clean cloth or towel.
- Absolutely do NOT use any lotions or creams that are not provided for the next 2 weeks. We recommend the only products you use during the 2 weeks post treatment healing stage are the products provided or recommended for you.
- ONLY use the products you are sent home with for the next 2 weeks. The area must be kept free of oil to help the crusts form and then fall off the skin naturally. Do NOT rub or abrade the area(s) or use exfoliating products. This could result in scarring and/or pigmentation.
- Stay away from heat & steam for the next 2 weeks while the skin may be pink and very sensitive.
- If you have had treatment around your eyes, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for 72 hours after your treatment.
- Swelling may last up to 3 weeks, and may be more severe in certain delicate areas such as the eyelids/under eyes. In fair-skinned and/or individuals with sensitive skin, redness may persist longer. In either case, ask your provider how to accelerate the restoration of normal color, which will return to baseline after about 4 months if proper aftercare is followed.
- When the crusts have fallen off then your skin may be a little pink as it is fresh, new and rejuvenated baby skin. This pinkness will fade over time in as little as 2 weeks up to a few months. In rare cases it may take up to 6 months.
- You absolutely must NOT use saunas or sunbeds during your 12-week healing period and ideally for longer. Avoid the midday sun.
- All other facial treatments on the same area should be avoided while your skin is healing.
- Use of topical Retin A products should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Other Important Aftercare Recommendations:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Taking Vitamin C supplements over the course of your healing process can give your immune system a big boost and may expedite healing.
- Any additional treatments that may be required must only be performed once the skin is completely healed and has returned to its normal color.
- It can take 8 to 12 weeks for the full effects of your treatment to be seen. You may not actually require further treatment once the effects of your original treatment are more determinable. Please note that if you do require a longer period of time between treatments, the delay will not alter the outcome/results.
- Multiple treatment sessions may be required for desired results, and your practitioner will inform you of this. Treatments will be scheduled a minimum of 6-8 weeks apart.
Warning: If excessive swelling or signs of infection occur, please contact the office immediately. (Moderate swelling immediately post treatment and several days after is normal).
Signs of infection include:
- Drainage that looks like pus (green discharge)
- Increased warmth and/or redness around the treatment area and is spreading
- Significant tenderness or pain around the treatment area
- Fever – Temperature of 100.5F or greater
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