Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Villanova, PA | Collegeville, PA

cosmetic pre & post-procedure suggestions

cosmetic pre & post-procedure suggestions

for skin-breaching treatments

(Botox, Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Sclerotherapy, PRP, ThreadLift & Kybella)

Preparation

We recommend discontinuing blood thinners seven days in advance of your procedure in order to reduce the probability of bruising. This includes: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, alcohol consumption and vitamins & herbal supplements. If you are taking any prescription blood-thinners please continue those as they may be essential to your well being.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss
if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

With any procedure that breaches the skin barrier there is a chance that there will be bruising and/or swelling. This can last up to two weeks, so book your social appearances & family photos accordingly! We also suggest that you are extra careful about sun protection after a procedure. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for co2 laser treatments

Preparation

We recommend that you discontinue any exfoliative products or procedures seven days in advance of your appointment. This includes: retinoid products (products with tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene as active ingredients), glycolic and salicylic acid and physical scrubs including Ultrasonic brushes. Also avoid any other cosmetic treatments one week in advance of your treatment. All of these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage. Refrain from all forms of tanning – including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning for 6-8 weeks before the treatment.

Avoid taking oral antibiotics in the Tetracycline family (including Doxycycline and Minocycline) or any other light-sensitizing oral medications for 1 week prior to your service. These cause your skin to be more vulnerable to burning and CO2 is powered by light-energy. Call us if you need clarification on whether you should discontinue a current medication.

Please pick up the two prophylactic medications we have prescribed for you and start taking them in the AM the day of your appointment! These prevent infection and cold sores. 

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

You have chosen to revitalize your skin with the best laser-technology on the market! Unfortunately the old adage is true: “No pain, no gain.” The procedure itself is uncomfortable, and is often compared to repetitive rubber band snaps. After the procedure the treated area will feel like it is sunburned, but this sensation dissipates over the first 24 hours. You should anticipate 10-14 days of downtime during which time you will experience pinpoint bleeding, discoloration of the skin (red/purple/brown), swelling and significant sloughing of the skin. Although you can certainly go about your normal daily activities, most patients make arrangements to be home for 2-7 days. 

Also, please avoid all forms of tanning– including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning – for several months after the treatment. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for Aesthetic treatments

(Facials, Chemical Peels, Dermaplaning Laser Genesis & Microdermabrasion)

Preparation

We recommend that you discontinue any exfoliative products or procedures seven days in advance of your appointment. These include retinoid products (products with tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene as active ingredients), glycolic and salicylic acid and physical scrubs including Ultrasonic brushes. Also avoid any other cosmetic treatments one week in advance of your treatment. All of these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage. 

Refrain from all forms of tanning – including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning for 2-4 weeks before the treatment.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

With any procedure that exfoliates the skin, whether physically or chemically, there is a chance that you skin appear red/pink for 24-48 hours. You may also experience some sloughing of the skin for 3-5 days after your treatment. If you do not have these side effects it does not mean the procedure was ineffective.

Also, please avoid all forms of tanning– including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning – for several weeks after the treatment. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for laser treatments

(IPL, nd:YAG, VBEAM, Sublative, Vantage, Excel V)

Preparation

We recommend that you discontinue any exfoliative products or procedures seven days in advance of your appointment. This includes: retinoid products (products with tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene as active ingredients), glycolic and salicylic acid and physical scrubs including Ultrasonic brushes. Also avoid any other cosmetic treatments 1 week in advance of your treatment. All of these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage. 

Refrain from all forms of tanning – including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning for 6-8 weeks before the treatment.

Avoid taking oral antibiotics in the Tetracycline family (including Doxycycline and Minocycline) or any other light-sensitizing oral medications for 1 week prior to your service. These cause your skin to be more vulnerable to burning and lasers are powered by light-energy. Call us if you need clarification on whether you should discontinue a current medication.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

With any procedure that treats red and/or brown marks of the skin, you can anticipate that the treated areas will appear worse before they get better. The brown spots get darker and the red spots can appear purple. There may be some bruising at the site which should resolve. You may also experience some peeling at the site of treatment as well. All of these side effects of treatment should resolve in 7-10 days. Use moisturizer and sun protection at all times.

Also, please avoid all forms of tanning– including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning – for several weeks after the treatment. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for laser hair reduction

Preparation

Please make sure that you have not used any depilatories at least four weeks in advance and throughout the course of your treatment. This includes waxing, plucking, threading, bleaching or any other method of removing the hair by the root. Also, please make sure that the area(s) to be treated are shaved no more than 24 hours in advance or you will be subject to a shave charge. You will see diminished results if you have not followed these directions!

We recommend that you discontinue any exfoliative products or procedures seven days in advance of your appointment. This includes: retinoid products (products with tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene as active ingredients), glycolic and salicylic acid and physical scrubs including Ultrasonic brushes. Also avoid any other cosmetic treatments 1 week in advance of your treatment. All of these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage.

Refrain from all forms of tanning – including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning for 6-8 weeks before the treatment.

Avoid taking oral antibiotics in the Tetracycline family (including Doxycycline and Minocycline) or any other light-sensitizing oral medications for 1 week prior to your service. These cause your skin to be more vulnerable to light-energy and its potential side effects. Call us if you need clarification on whether you should discontinue a current medication.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

You will likely experience “follicular edema” which is the swelling and redness of the hair follicle, and/or itching in the treatment area. This is proof that treatment is working! This will dissipate in 24-48 hours. 

Also, please avoid all forms of tanning– including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning – for several weeks after the treatment. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for Sofwave™ & ultherapy

Preparation

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you. Otherwise, there is nothing special you need to do to prepare for your visit.

post-procedure

Because Sofwave & Ultherapy uses the power of sound to improve the look of sagging, loose skin there is little to no downtime. You may feel tender at the site of treatment and in rare occasions experience some mild bruising for up to 2 weeks.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for coolsculpting

Preparation

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you. Otherwise, there is nothing special you need to do to prepare for your visit. It is a good idea to make a plan to help pass the time. Suggestions are: bring a book (either audio or visual), load a movie on your tablet, bring your laptop to catch up on some emails, or just plan on relaxing.

post-procedure

Due to your exposure to controlled cold and suction involved in the treatment you can expect some skin redness, swelling and possible bruising for 2-7 days after your treatment . Numbness and tingling at this site is normal up to 12 weeks after treatment. Be patient, your full results will not be visible for 1-3 months after each session.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

for Morpheus8

Preparation

We recommend that you discontinue any exfoliative products or procedures seven days in advance of your appointment. These include retinoid products (Vitamin C, products with tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene as active ingredients), glycolic and salicylic acid and physical scrubs including Ultrasonic brushes. Also avoid any other cosmetic treatments one week in advance of your treatment. All of these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage.

Please make sure to inform your provider if you have a history of COLD SORES and we will prescribe Antiviral medication to help prevent a breakout.

If you develop an upper respiratory infection/head cold within 2 days of the procedure, please call the office to discuss as we may have to reschedule your appointment.

Refrain from all forms of tanning – including natural sun exposure, tanning beds and spray/lotion tanning for 2-4 weeks before the treatment.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

Because we are using both radio frequency and microneedling in tandem during this treatment, the healing process is a little different than other skin rejuvenation processes. You will experience some immediate redness and swelling at the treatment site which can range from looking like a mild blush to a severe windburn (often resembles a confluent hive-like reaction). You may also see some pinpoint bleeding in certain areas. Mild swelling and bruising should be anticipated, but everyone responds differently to the treatment. It is common to experience a mild acne/rosacea like flare (small whitehead or red pimples) during healing. These symptoms will resolve in 2-4 days. You may experience some sloughing of the skin after 48 hours, and you should resist accelerating this natural process. Do not exfoliate or pick to avoid potential scarring. Dead skin cells will shed when they are ready.

The provider may give you specific after care instructions depending on your case/treatment area. However, the following post-care details pertain to all treated areas: 

The first 2 days will require the most work; we will ask you to apply products in this order: Alastin Skin Nectar, (+/- ) Biocream Firm Riche, ending with Aquaphor as the top layer to seal in the products and ensure that your skin stays consistently hydrated and the damaged barrier will be protected during healing.

If you have PRP (Protein Rich Plasma) applied after treatment, prevent washing the area for 16-24 hours. Continue to apply Aquaphor as needed over the PRP for up to 24 hours, then gently rinse area. At this point, you will begin to apply the above listed products (Alastin Skin Nectar, Biocreme Firm Riche, Aquaphor).

You will look shiny for the first 2-3 days! Use warm water to cleanse face unless instructed by the provider to do otherwise. Sun protection is essential during the entire healing process to prevent discoloration of the fresh skin– hats, shade, and sunscreen (start SPF 2 days post-procedure) will be your best friend for quick healing and long lasting results. Avoid ALL Vitamin C products for 10 days post treatment.

**Remember to be patient. This is a very gradual process.

**Note: Volume reduction results (ex.submental) are often noticed more quickly than skin tightening results**
Peak results are seen anywhere from 1-6 months after your treatment.**

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

FOR SKINPEN

Preparation

We recommend discontinuing blood thinners seven days in advance of your procedure in order to reduce the probability of bruising. This includes: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, alcohol consumption and vitamins & herbal supplements. If you are taking any prescription blood-thinners please continue those as they may be essential to your well being.

Up to two weeks prior to your appointment, we strongly encourage the use of Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar. This is a silky smooth serum that you should apply to a clean face twice a day, before you add any additional skin care products. The proprietary ingredients prepare your skin to better tolerate SkinPen procedures and accelerate the healing process once you’ve had them done.

If you have or develop a rash, skin irritation, or open wound at the site of your future procedure, please call us to discuss if this will prevent us from treating you.

post-procedure

With any procedure that breaches the skin barrier there is a chance that there will be bruising and/or swelling. This can last up to two weeks, so book your social appearances & family photos accordingly! We also suggest that you are extra careful about sun protection after a procedure. Healing skin has the potential to permanently discolor when exposed to UV.

As an essential part of the healing process, BMD provides you with Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar as part of your package. We strongly recommend that you apply this product twice a day for a full week post SkinPen procedures. This light-weight serum is a unique formulation that focuses on skin barrier repair, skin cell rejuvenation, and the eradication of damaged skin structures which makes way for newer healthier skin. You may wear sunscreen and make up 24 hours post treatment.

If you have paid a deposit in order to secure your appointment, know that this is refundable only if you give us 24+ hours notice for cancellations and reschedules. If you are 15 or more minutes late to your appointment there is a very good chance that we will not be able to see you, and you will be subject to losing your deposit. If you have pre-paid for an appointment and do not allow 24+ hours for a cancellation or reschedule OR are 15 or more minutes late you will be subject to losing a portion of your pre-payment.

Your Skin is Our Business.

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