You have heard the testimonials and seen the before and after photos: the Pearl laser treatment can yield impressive results. But perhaps there are questions about this procedure that have kept you on the fence. This article outlines just what you can expect after this treatment to help you decide if the Pearl is right for you.
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Before Treatment:
- Cold sores: Are you prone to cold sores? If so, inform us prior to treatment. We'll be sure to provide antiviral prophylactic treatment to prevent a breakout.
- Anti-Anxiety Medication: If the idea of this procedure makes you uneasy, know that many patients have the option to take anti-anxiety medication prior to treatment. If you do decide to take medication, however, you must have a driver prepared to escort you to and from the office.
- Facial Hair: All men must shave their face the day of the procedure.
- Darker Skin Tones: Patients with darker skin tones will be asked to use hydroquinone for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment. This product decreases the amount of pigment in the skin, which prevents possible scarring.
After Treatment:
- Facial Hair: Following treatment, avoid shaving with a razor blade until day 5. You may use an electric razor after day 3 if desired.
- Skin Care: Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands prior to touching your face. Wash your skin 3-4 times a day with the provided gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after your treatment. Apply Ceramide Treatment Cream after each cleansing (3-4 times a day, or more if needed). Gradually resume normal skin care and make-up at day 7.
- Vinegar Soak: Begin using a vinegar soak 3-4 times daily beginning the day of your treatment to promote healing and provide antiseptic benefits. Mix 1 teaspoon of plain white vinegar to 2 cups of cool water. This solution may be mixed up ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. If the skin gets dry or scabbed you may soak more often. You may leave Ceramide on the skin and soak the treated area with a clean soft cloth. Re-apply Ceramide to the treated area immediately after soaking.
- Showering: It is okay to shower, but do not let shampoo or other hair products get on the face.
- Picking and Peeling: No picking, peeling or scrubbing the skin in any way while healing. Allow the skin to slough off on its own. After the skin has finished sloughing (typically day 4 or 5), you may exfoliate using a gentle scrub, Clarisonic Brush or washcloth.
- Follow Up: At your follow up appointment with Dr. Clinton, you may have an IPL treatment if there are any remaining brown spots. There will be little to no down time with this treatment.
- Cover Up: Sunscreen (SPF of 20 or greater) may be worn after the majority of your skin has sloughed (usually by day 5). Until this day, you should take measures to avoid the sun. Don't forget that UVA light passes through the house and car windows. And, of course, absolutely no artificial tanning or sun exposure without sun protection, in the 4 weeks following the treatment. This is very important in reducing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Relax With A Book: No hot tubs and spas for at one week post-treatment.
- Laundry: Because you may notice increased sensitivity to detergents/fabric softeners, be careful to use pillow cases with no fabric softener during the healing process.
Post treatment expectations:
One of the main deterrents we see patients face when choosing a procedure is the idea of "downtime". The scale of severity one can expect from "downtime" is sliding for cosmetic treatments and thus this term can be very confusing. Here is what you can expect during what we call the "social downtime" of the Pearl.
- It is normal for the skin to feel “sunburned” and/or tight.
- The skin may be red for the first 3-7 days (or longer) post treatment, and then turn darker as the skin begins to slough (shown above).
- It is normal to feel as though the skin looks “older” 1-2 weeks post treatment until the skin regains its hydration content.
- The skin will continue to improve over the next 6 to 8 weeks as cellular regeneration continues to take place.
- There is the possibility of edema (swelling). If this occurs, give our office a call and we will let you know how to proceed.
- Discomfort usually resolves by day 5, but may last longer in some patients.
Most importantly, we're here for you! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email us (
614-799-5100 or
[email protected]).
A you can see, Dr. Clinton and Allyson both love this procedure so much, they had one themselves last week. To find out if this procedure is right for you, call our office and schedule a consultation today. 614-799-5100.
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