The UltraClear delivers a fractional ablative treatment that will involve downtime. Each patient heals differently; for the best results, carefully follow the instructions below:
General Expectations
- Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds and tanning creams at least 1 month before the procedure. Avoid sunlight for at least 1 month after the procedure. Your skin will be extremely vulnerable to the sun after this laser treatment. For best cosmetic results, always protect your skin by wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 30), a hat and sunglasses.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks after treatment. Avoid anything strenuous (bending, straining or lifting heavy objects) for 1 week. Plan to rest the first week after treatment.
- Do not apply ‘active’ ingredients to the skin for 1 week before treatment and for 2 or more weeks after – this includes Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Retinol/Tretinoin, Vitamin C and Alcohol-based toners.
- After treatment, avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents). Avoid dryness and excessive heat, like high heat from a blow dryer; medium heat is fine during the healing process. Use artificial tears and Vaseline lip balm if needed.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 1 week post-procedure.
Common, Expected Skin Reactions
- Redness, a sunburn-type sensation and swelling. Some patients might have transient pinpoint bleeding. Other reactions may include irritation and itching.
- Possible minor breakout from using ointments such as Aquaphor, Vaseline or CeraVe healing ointment.
Day Before Treatment – preparations
- Have plenty of clean, tightly woven gauze (small squares called “gauze sponges”) for cold compress soaks and clean hand towels available.
- Wash your hair. It is best not to shampoo your hair until 4 or 5 days after your procedure.
- Pick up your prescriptions and begin medications (such as Valtrex to prevent cold sores)
- Purchase an ointment such as Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment or Alastin Skin Nectar (sold at the office) for use during healing. You may also use Vaseline.
- Make sure you have a very mild face wash, such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. However, you will not wash your face until day 2.
Day of Treatment
- Bring a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses
- Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup and perfumes
- Wear comfortable clothing and a button-down shirt or blouse
- Do not wear any jewelry or contact lenses
Immediately After Treatment
- You may feel a hot or warm sunburn sensation, which can last for 3 to 4 hours
- Cool compresses/soaks will be applied to ease the sensation until you are ready to leave the office
- A thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar will be applied to the treatment area before you leave
- You may periodically spritz with Avène Thermal Spring Water (for sale at the office)
Cold Water Soaks: Soak gauze in cold water, then apply it to the treated area. Keep the gauze on the skin to allow the tissue to cool for 5-10 minutes. Apply a barrier ointment (Vaseline, Aquaphor, or CeraVe ointment) to the treated area to create a protective barrier and promote optimal healing.
Day 1 After Treatment
The next day, incorporate vinegar soaks 3-5 times per day (1 tsp of white distilled vinegar mixed with 16 oz of cold or bottled water). After a vinegar soak, follow it with one of the ointments listed above for 3-5 days post-treatment.
NO sunscreen on day 1; apply only on day 2. Patients should sleep in a modified upright position along with a clean pillowcase and linens the first night.
Things to avoid 1 to 2 days after your initial treatment:
- NO direct contact with pets, unclean surfaces or touching treatment areas during the healing/sloughing process. Clean towels, pillowcases and surfaces that touch treatment zones are a must. Continue this cleanliness routine through Day 7.
- NO sun or any environmental exposures like wind, extreme cold, ocean water.
- NO product use other than those recommended by or given to you by Dr. Golomb.
- NO cosmetics.
- NO ice (especially frozen peas or vegetable packets) directly on the skin, especially if you are still numb from the pre-treatment topical analgesic mixture (if applicable), immediately post-treatment. There is no way to be sure that what you procured from the grocery store freezer is “clean.”
- NO ice/ice baths for 72 hours; cold water is fine. Ice before 72 hours can increase edema. This includes “small” ice packs, skin should be cooled evenly with a full mask or a moist cooled “hand towel” covering the full treatment area. Small ice packs in isolated areas may promote uneven healing and leave hot spots.
- NO cleansers or products with acids, PEG’s, high alcohol content, botanicals, or multiple ingredients. The more ingredients on the label, the harder it will be to determine what caused a post-treatment reaction.
Days 2-7 After Treatment
Begin cleaning the treated areas with a gentle facial cleanser using nothing more abrasive than the fingertips. Do not scrub treated areas. Continue to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor, do not let your skin dry out, and apply SPF as instructed by Dr. Golomb. You should sleep in a modified upright position with a clean pillowcase and linens on the second or subsequent nights, as needed.
Vinegar soaks can be used for persistent discomfort.
NO picking, rubbing, scrubbing or exfoliating while skin is sloughing.
If you are outside and exposed to the sun, wear a hat and your daily SPF for full protection.
Please call or text the office at 954-251-0367 if you develop cold sores, herpes, blisters, pustules, or severe swelling or if you have any questions or concerns.
