Possible Short-Term Effects of Laser Pixel Fractional Ablative Skin Resurfacing:

1. Pain- Minimal discomfort, burning sensation or very mild pain in the first few hours after the procedure. A local anesthetic is usually not used during the treatment, but some degree of discomfort may appear after the procedure and this pain may persist for several hours-days.
2. Redness of Skin – Erythema or redness of skin (1^st degree burn) of the skin for several hours up to 2 days period.
3. Wound Healing – Flakiness of the treated area, usually persisting for 2-7 days.
4. Skin Thickening- Textural changes of the treated skin, such as skin thickening, which may persist for a variable amount of time.
5. Skin Tightness – Sensation of skin tightness (peaks at 3-8 weeks postoperatively).
6. Herpes Simplex Dermatitis (Fever Blisters) – Occurrence or recurrence of herpes simples dermatitis, particularly if not pre-, intra-, and post-operatively treated with a systemic antiviral medication such as Zovirax.
7. Skin Itchiness – Pruritis or itching in the early healing phase.

    8.   Skin Hyperpigmentation –          Transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), especially in darker – skinned people, occurring three to eight weeks after laser therapy

     9.    Skin Hypopigmentation – Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), which occurs because of laser-induced injury to the melanocytes (pigment containing cells in the skin) and which can be permanent.

Pre Treatment:

Do not tan the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

All lotions and potions you are using must be discussed and cleared in your consultation prior to treatments. In addition, all medications must be disclosed and discussed.

Pigmented lesions will not be treated.

A topical anesthetic may be used if you are especially sensitive to the treatment.

Treatment area should be free of perfume, makeup, and lotions.

Post treatment (for more detailed instructions review your post treatment instructions or you can call the office for a copy):

Days 1-3 or while the skin is still sensitive to the touch- your skin will be red similar to a sunburn, and may appear blotchy as some areas may have been treated more aggressively than others and could be swollen or puffy. Wash with cool water only as needed, apply as much organic almond oil or organic aloe vera as you like to sooth the skin, do not use a moisturizer as it will prevent the skin from flaking and peeling for best results. Apply sunscreen regularly and avoid as much sunlight as possible.

Days 3-7 or once the sensitivity has subsided and skin is flaky: Any redness and blotchy areas will be subsiding and your skin may appear more taut and shiny than usual. You are still healing, so do not stop applying sunscreen and avoiding sunlight to allow the skin to heal properly. You may wash your skin in the morning and at night using cool water and a gentle cleanser such as Vivite Replenish Hydrating Cleanser.

Days 7-10: You may resume using Vivite products or products containing Glycolic Acid or bleaching cream. You may also resume using a light exfoliator, such as Vivite Exfoliating Cleanser to remove any "flaky" skin. Once the skin is done flaking you may resume your regular skin care routine. For optimum results, schedule a Diamond Microdermabrasion 2 weeks post treatment.