Before your treatment
Starting 2–4 weeks before
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, and stop self-tanner. You should not be treated with an active tan or sunburn.
• Tell us if you are prone to cold sores (oral herpes) — we may start an antiviral before your visit to prevent an outbreak.
• Tell us about isotretinoin (Accutane) use, now or recently, and follow the timeframe we give you.
5–7 days before
• Stop retinoids/retinol and exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic), scrubs, and other strong actives in the treatment area, as directed.
• Avoid waxing, threading, depilatory creams, and other lasers/peels in the area.
Day of your appointment
• Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotion, or sunscreen. Men: shave the area as directed.
• If numbing cream is planned, arrive early so it has time to work.
• Skip alcohol the day before, and come well hydrated.
• Let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding — treatment is not performed at this time.
What to expect
During: a warm, prickling sensation. Afterward, skin feels like a sunburn.
First 1–3 days: redness, warmth, and mild swelling; skin feels tight, dry, and rough (a fine “sandpaper” texture), and may look bronzed. Over about 3–7 days this darkens slightly, then flakes and sloughs off, revealing fresher skin. This is normal — do not pick or scrub it off.
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After your treatment
First 24–72 hours
• Cool compresses help with heat and swelling. Sleep with your head slightly elevated if puffy.
• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser; pat dry — do not rub.
• Moisturize often with a bland moisturizer (and a hyaluronic-acid serum if provided) to keep skin comfortable and hydrated.
• Avoid heat and sweating: no hot showers, sauna, hot tubs, or strenuous exercise. Avoid pools, lakes, and hot tubs for at least 48 hours.
• No makeup for 24 hours (or as directed). Do NOT pick, scratch, or exfoliate the flaking/bronzed skin — let it shed on its own.
Days 3–7 and beyond
• Keep the routine gentle as the flaking finishes. Restart retinoids, acids, vitamin C, and scrubs only once skin is fully healed and we say it’s okay (usually about 5–7 days).
• Sun protection is the most important step: broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every day, reapplied, plus a hat and shade. Avoid direct sun for 2–4 weeks. Skipping this raises the risk of dark spots.
• Makeup may resume once the skin is smooth and intact.
Ongoing
• Best results usually take a short series (often about 3 sessions, spaced roughly monthly) plus maintenance.
• For melasma: ongoing at-home therapy and strict sun protection are essential, and it can still recur over time.
When to call us
Call Elevated Image Clinic if you notice any of the following:
• Signs of infection: spreading redness, swelling that worsens after day 2–3, pus or drainage, or fever/chills.
• A cold-sore outbreak, blistering, or open areas.
• Pain that increases instead of improving, or skin that turns dark, gray, or breaks down (possible burn).
For a medical emergency, call 911.
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Questions? Call us at 206-395-4748. After-hours contact: ____________________________.
Elevated Image Clinic — Joshua Le, DO. This handout is general guidance and does not replace the specific instructions your provider gives you.
