Before Treatment:
- Avoid tanning/sunburns for at least 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Fill spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator. Also, wet a couple of wash cloths and freeze them. It will feel great to spray and cool your face after treatment.
- Bring a large brimmed hat or we can provide you with one to use going home after treatment for face and scalp. If you are doing arms, bring a long sleeved shirt to wear home.
- We want you to be comfortable, layering clothing is recommended as the waiting room can be cool. Your wait time will be approximately 1 hour 15 min for face and scalp, 2 hours 15 min for chest, 3 hours 15 min for arms. Please bring a snack, reading material or anything else you may require for your comfort.
- If you have a history of recurrent cold sores (herpes simplex), let the nurse know before your appointment and you will be given a prescription for Valtrex to be taken: 1 the day before treatment, 1 the day of treatment, and 1 the day after treatment.
Day of Treatment:
- Your skin will be cleaned, and then wiped with acetone.
- The medication, Levulan or Ameluz, will be applied and left on for the appropriate amount of time.
- You will be placed under the Blue Light or Red Light for approximately 16 minutes.
- Remain indoors as much as possible over the next 48 hours.
- You may shower and gently cleanse the treated area.
- Keep skin cool and moist
- Spray mist of cooled water.
- Cold compresses, i.e. frozen wash clothes, ice packs wrapped with cloth or paper towel, or package of frozen peas works great.
- Apply refrigerated Aloe Vera gel.
- Sleep with head elevated for first 48 hours if you had face or scalp treated.
- Use hydrocortisone ointment 2 times a day if you have a lot of redness or swelling. It is available over the counter at any drug store.
- Use emollients such as: Aquaphor, Cetaphil, or CeraVe to keep skin moist 2 times a day.
- Take analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil if you are having discomfort.
- You can take 25 mg of Benadryl before bedtime to help you sleep or if you have a lot of itching.
Day 2 -3:
- By now you may be red; similar to a sunburn.
- The heat will drop out of the treated area during this time.
- You may experience swelling around the eyes and lips – if so, apply ice packs wrapped in paper towels or bag of frozen peas to reduce swelling for 15 min per hour.
- Continue taking analgesics as needed and apply emollients or hydrocortisone ointment to the skin. You may apply more than 2 times per day if skin is feeling tight.
- Continue to avoid sunlight/UV light, remain indoors during the daytime for 48 hours after treatment.
- If you need to go out, wear a hat or protective clothing, use a SPF 30 sunscreen with zinc oxide.
- Mineral based makeup may be used.
- Avoid shaving the treated areas while skin is still irritated.
Day 4 – 7:
- Many Patients start peeling on day 3 or 4.
- Continue to use emollients 2-3 times a day for peeling.
- During this healing period, it is very important to protect your new skin with sunscreen.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 480-821-8888.