What to expect from your treatment

The procedure starts with cleansing and prepping your skin with a topical anesthetic. Next, we’ll apply the laser to the treatment area. Patients often describe the sensation as being either warm or hot and prickly.

The duration of the treatment can vary depending on the size of the treatment area and the specific concerns being addressed. Generally, a full-face treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Smaller treatment areas, such as the neck or around the eyes, may take less time.

After the treatment, it’s normal for the treatment area to be red and swollen, with some pinpoint bleeding. The following morning, the treated skin will be red and swollen and you may experience some sloughing. These symptoms will continue for a couple of days. Symptoms typically subside starting on day three and resolve by day four. You may notice residual pink for up to four weeks post-treatment as the old skin cells are shed to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin.

How to prepare for your treatment

Prior to your appointment, it's important to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks. Sun exposure can make the skin more sensitive to the laser, increasing the risk of side effects such as redness, blistering and hyperpigmentation. It's also recommended to avoid using retinol or other exfoliating products for several days before the treatment, as these can also make the skin more sensitive.

Be sure to inform us if you’re prone to cold sores, as the laser treatment can trigger an outbreak. In some cases, we’ll prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent this from happening.