FAQ

What can I do before and after BBL and laser skin treatments to ensure safety?

Before broad band light treatments, patients should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds at least four weeks prior. One week in advance, patients should discontinue NSAID and aspirin regimens if possible. Toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) should not be received within one week of BBL therapy; patients can enjoy these treatments several days after if desired. After BBL therapy, patients should reduce sun exposure, avoid heat (saunas, hot baths, and exercise), and apply cold compresses until post-treatment symptoms subside, and expect crusting and peeling of the skin. Patients are advised not to pick and scratch at the skin as this can affect the healing process and cause scarring.

I will be visiting Seriously Skin for laser hair removal. What should I avoid before treatment, and what can I expect after the procedure?

Patients are encouraged to shave the area the night before or the morning of their procedure, but should avoid depilatory creams, waxing, and plucking for at least two weeks prior. Patients should not apply lotion or makeup to the skin the day of treatment, and should wear clothing that allows the dermatologist to access the area required for treatment. Patients should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for one month before the procedure, and cannot have an active cold sore the day of treatment. After laser hair removal, patients should only use mild soaps on the area and can expect redness and swelling. Hair will slowly fall out over the course of several weeks, but it should not be removed by any means other than shaving. Over-the-counter moisturizers can be used on the skin at least three times a day, and the skin should never be rubbed after treatment, as it may be extremely sensitive. Patients can use ice packs to address any discomfort of the treatment area, and should avoid heat for 24 hours after therapy. Patients cannot be on any antibiotics or photo-sensitive medications. These include, but are not limited to: Antibiotics, St. John's Wart, and Tonic water. Patients are expected to contact their pharmacist to establish if their daily medications are photosensitive.

What are the pre- and post-procedure instructions I should follow for dermal filler injections?

Patients undergoing dermal fillers should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and supplements approximately one week before treatment. This can reduce bruising and minimize bleeding during injections. An hour before treatment, patients can take an anti-histamine pill to reduce redness and swelling. After the injections, patients should avoid alcohol, exercise, and topical products for one to three days. Bruising can be covered with makeup, though patients should avoid touching the area of treatment for approximately six hours after treatment. Cold compresses can be used for swelling, and Tylenol is approved for pain and discomfort.