Photodynamic
Therapy
Before & After Treatment Instructions
Before
Treatment
If possible, do not wear makeup to your treatment
Avoid any irritants to your skin, including products with retinoids,
retinol, glycolic and salicylic acid, and vitamin C for one week
prior to appointment.
Do not wax or use a depilatory on treatment area for one week
prior to treatment.
Bring something to cover the treated areas when leaving the office
(ie., large brim hat, gloves, towel). This is very important.
After
Treatment
Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for
the first 2 to 3 days following treatment
Keep the treated area covered and protected from direct sunlight
and sources of bright indoor light for 48 hours following the treatment.
Stay indoors, apply a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen (UVA/UVB) to all
exposed areas and wear a hat for two weeks following your treatment.
Do not participate in artificial tanning, or sun exposure without
sun protection, in the 4 weeks following the treatment.
The skin may become very red, dry, crusted and flaky – you may
moisturize with Aquaphor or hydrocortisone 1% as needed.
Cold packs may be applied post-treatment to ease any temporary
discomfort.
If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply antibiotic
ointment and contact us.
Treated lentigines usually darken after treatment, and crusting
begins to form within a few days. This crusting usually resolves
in 1-3 weeks and should be allowed to naturally flake off for best
results.
Avoid hot tubs and spas for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Make-up may be applied after the healing process is complete,
and as long as the skin is not broken. If treated area is red after
crusting has subsided, apply green-based cover-up to minimize redness.
Daily
Instructions:
Day 1:
Begin applying icepacks to the area for any discomfort.
Swelling, if it occurs, will be most evident around the eyes.
Remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight.
Elevate your head on two pillows or the treated area, to
decrease swelling.
You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary.
Apply hydrocortisone 1%, if areas are irritated.
Day 2:
Continue to use ice packs as needed. Twenty minutes per
hour, maximum. You may take a shower or pain medicine. Any
discomfort usually resolves by day 3.
Avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on Day 2. Sensitivity
to sunlight may last up to 40 hours after treatment.
Soak any areas with a solution of 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
in 1 cup of cold water for every 4 to 6 hours. Ice may be
applied over the vinegar soaks. The area should be patted
dry and hydrocortisone 1% ointment reapplied following the
vinegar soaks.
Day 3-7:
You may use make up once any crusting has healed.
The area may be red for 4-6 weeks. If make-up is important,
please consult with Mukha staff for recommendations.
The skin will feel dry and tightened. Use a moisturizer.
Avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. Use a sunscreen
with a minimum SPF of 30.
ACNE Patients only:
You may use make up once any crusting has healed.
The area may be red for 4-6 weeks. If make-up is important,
please consult with Mukha staff for recommendations.
The skin will feel dry and tightened. Use a moisturizer.
Avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. Use a sunscreen
with a minimum SPF of 30.
