Laser Therapy Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions

Fotona 4D, SmoothEye, LipLase, VectorLift, Rosacea, Scars, Peels, TightSculpting, NightLase, Hair Restoration, Vascular Lesions, PRP/PRF, Laser Hair Removal, Microneedling, Dermaplane

General Pre-Treatment Instructions

Applicable to Fotona 4D, Neck Tightening, Peels, SmoothEye, LipLase, VectorLift, Rosacea

  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sunlamps, perfumes, deodorants, waxing, chemical peels, or collagen injections in treatment area for 2 weeks prior
  • Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup; men should shave prior

General Post-Treatment Instructions

Applicable to Fotona 4D, Neck Tightening, SmoothEye, LipLase, VectorLift, Rosacea, Scars

  • Redness (erythema) may occur for up to 24 hours; tightness and superficial sensation for 48–72 hours
  • Full results develop over 2–3 months, with continued improvement for 6 months
  • Apply Aquaphor as needed
  • May apply makeup after 24 hours
  • Resume skincare (retinol/acids) after 4–5 days
  • Strict sun avoidance for 7 days; use broad spectrum SPF 3x daily (7am, 12pm, 2pm)

Laser Peels

  • Ultra-light: 2–3 days redness/mild flaking
  • Light: Flaking begins day 3–5
  • Medium: Peeling day 3–7; pink skin for 1–2 weeks
  • Deep: Peeling starts day 2–3; redness/oosing initially; pink tone up to 3 weeks
  • Follow general post-care (Aquaphor, sun avoidance, SPF)

SCARS, ACNE, STRIAE (LINE-LASE)

  • Expect redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding (may appear 10–15 mins after)
  • Scabbing for 7–15 days (DO NOT pick)
  • Use Aquaphor to support healing

Benign Vascular Lesions / Tumors

  • Redness lasting 5–15 mins post-treatment
  • Crusting over in 3–5 days (DO NOT pick)
  • Use aloe vera gel and 1% hydrocortisone (BID x 3–5 days) for Fitzpatrick IV+ skin to prevent PIH

TightSculpting

  • No downtime
  • Temporary redness resolves in hours
  • Encourage water intake
  • 20 mins cardio post-procedure to enhance fat mobilization
  • Maintain diet and exercise for best results

Vascular Lesions / Spider Veins

  • Redness/swelling for 5–15 mins post
  • Petechiae/bruising lasts 7–15 days
  • Apply arnica gel 2–3x daily and aloe vera for comfort
  • Hydrocortisone 1% BID for 3–5 days if darker skin
  • Use elastic wraps for 3 days after for optimal results

PRP / PRF

Pre-Care:

  • Stop NSAIDs, blood thinners, vitamin E, fish oils 7 days prior
  • Avoid alcohol/smoking 3 days prior
  • Increase water intake
  • Wash hair and eat before session

Post-Care:

  • Normal side effects: bruising, redness, itching (2–5 days)
  • Do not ice injected area unless swelling severe
  • Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, sun, and exercise for 48–72 hours
  • Resume minoxidil/hair coloring after 3 days
  • Continue hydration; SPF 50+ for 2 weeks
  • Report signs of infection immediately

Laser Hair Removal

Pre-Treatment:

  • Shave area 12 hours prior
  • No alcohol, smoking, exercise before session
  • Avoid tanning or sun exposure for 8 weeks
  • Keep skin clean, no lotions or products

Post-Treatment:

  • Avoid sun, saunas, exercise, hot showers, swimming, makeup for 48–72 hours
  • No shaving for 72 hours
  • No waxing/tweezing/threading during treatment course
  • Apply aloe vera, ice packs, SPF 50+ with Zinc, wear loose clothing

MICRONEEDLING

Pre-Care:

  • Avoid NSAIDs, antihistamines, retinoids, vitamin E, and laser/waxing for 1 week
  • Stop Accutane for 3 months prior
  • Notify us if you have HSV (you may need antiviral prep)

Post-Care:

  • Expect minor redness, swelling, flaking
  • No sun/heat exposure for 72 hours
  • No alpha hydroxy acids or retinoids until flaking stops
  • Use hydrating/healing products with peptides, antioxidants, growth factors
  • Use physical SPF applied every 30–90 mins
  • Avoid exercise for 1 week

DERMAPLANE

Pre-Treatment:

  • Safe for dullness, pigment, acne scars
  • Avoid if you have active acne, skin cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, blood thinners, or are pregnant

Post-Treatment:

  • Use gentle cleanser (Cetaphil or Avene)
  • Avoid retinols, scrubs, sun, hot showers, swimming, alcohol for 3 days
  • Do not pick or rub skin
  • Use sunscreen daily
  • Contact office with concerns or complications

Dermal Fillers – Pre & Post Care Instructions

(Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, and other HA fillers)

At Modern Family Medicine, your safety, comfort, and results are our top priority. Please review the following guidelines to ensure optimal healing and results after your dermal filler treatment.

Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Applicable to Fotona 4D, Neck Tightening, SmoothEye, LipLase, VectorLift, Rosacea, Scars

  • Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 6 hours. After this, you may gently cleanse with mild soap and water and apply makeup if desired.
  • Minimize exposure to intense heat or cold (e.g., saunas, sunbathing, or ice packs applied directly to skin) for at least two weeks.
  • Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or itching may occur at injection sites. This is a normal, temporary reactionand typically resolves within:

    • 6 hours for most facial areas
    • 1–2 days for lips
    • Lips may remain uneven or swollen for up to one week—this is not the final result.
  • If you’re prone to cold sores (herpes simplex), there is a risk that the injections may trigger an outbreak. Please inform us beforehand so we can provide preventive options.
  • If you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications, be aware of a slightly higher risk of bruising.
  • You may use a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a soft cloth) intermittently for 15–20 minutes every few hours within the first 24 hours to minimize discomfort and swelling.

Comfort Measures After Injections

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen) 325–1000 mg may be taken every 4–6 hours after treatment to relieve soreness.
  • Continue using ice packs every 4–6 hours for the first 12–24 hours as needed.

Additional Notes

  • Results are not immediate for all areas—especially lips. Final results may take several days to settle.
  • Fillers are temporary; results typically last 6–18 months, depending on the product and treatment area.
  • You may opt for touch-up or maintenance treatments as the product gradually dissolves.

Contact our office 

If you experience significant pain, discoloration, or signs of infection (e.g., warmth, pus, or fever). These are rare but important to report.

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