Before your treatment:

• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment

  • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.

• Some medications or supplements may increase the risk of bruising (blood thinners, Vitamin E)

• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (retin-a, depilatories, etc.)

• Notify clinic with any changes to  your health history or medications since your last appointment

• History of herpes or cold sores may require an antiviral prescription prior to treatment 

 

 

After your treatment:

• Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen

• Bruising, redness and significant swelling are common and resolve with time (typically within one week) Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, cold compresses or ice packs and elevating your pillow at night can help to alleviate these symptoms.

• A “bug bite” like reaction is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days

• Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days

• Avoid skin irritants on week post-treatment

  • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  

• Notify the clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

• Leg vein treatments only:

  • Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional

  • Avoid high impact activity 3-5 days

  • Hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (can take 1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent

    • Strict avoidance of sun exposure may decrease risk of permanent hemosiderin staining

  • Large leg veins may take many months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then