Pre & Post Care Instructions

• First and foremost, it is important to schedule your treatment at least two weeks prior to any important events.

• Discontinue retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide containing products at least 2 weeks prior to procedure. Be sure to check all skin care products including over-the-counter.

• AVOID sun, UV lamp exposure and any spray tanning for 3 weeks prior to and after treatment.

• If you have a history of cold sores, take Valtrex Rx, if prescribed. Two tabs (2 grams) one hour before treatment; 2 more tabs 8-12 hours later. 

• Please plan treatment with neuromodulators and fillers 2 weeks prior to or after your procedure.

• If you have been taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane) please wait 6 months after completing therapy to schedule your Fraxel Dual treatment.

• Please try to arrive for your appointment without makeup, but it may be removed at the spa if more convenient.

• If desired, a pre-treatment medication may be prescribed to help you to relax during your procedure. Please let us know 3-5 days before you would like to pick up your prescription so that we may have it ready for you. If you take medication for your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home after treatment.

• When you arrive, photos may be taken and a numbing gel will be applied to your face for approximately 60 minutes.

• The numbing gel is removed and your provider will move the device over your face in a specific pattern.

• The treatment usually lasts for 20-30 minutes for full face.

• Aftercare products will be applied to soothe and calm the skin.

• Your skin will look as though you have a moderate sunburn and may have swelling and tightness.

• Swelling and redness is expected and usually peaks the day following the procedure. If your treatment was more aggressive or you typically swell more than others, the swelling may last longer. It is usually present to some degree for the first 2-3 days. You may use ice packs or cool compresses to the area for 10 minutes/hour to help reduce swelling and soothe the area. Some clients like to place two shot glasses into the freezer to use as ice packs around the eyes. Sleeping with the head elevated may also help to reduce swelling.

• Be sure to use gentle products on the face while skin is healing for the first 2 weeks. We recommend NeoCleanse Gentle by Neocutis or Image Ormedic cleanser followed by BioGel, BioCream, Alastin Skin Nectar, or Image I Rescue Crème. Please consult your provider for the best regimen for your skin.

• Redness decreases within the first week, but a “rosy” glow may persist for several weeks.

• Skin may feel dry, peel, and flake during the first week or so. A sandpaper like texture may also be present. It is important to keep the skin as moisturized as possible during this time. There is no such thing as too much moisture!

• The Fraxel Dual treatment causes destruction of microcylinders of skin which then exfoliate during the healing process. Bronzing of the treated skin usually occurs around days 4-5 with heavily pigmented areas being the most obvious. The skin may appear crusted with dots and it is very important not to pick, peel, or scratch at these dots as it could cause scarring. On the face, they usually shed between 7-10 days while areas treated other than the face may take as long as 3 weeks. Most clients enjoy scheduling a facial and dermaplane 7-10 days after treatment to remove any remaining flakiness.

• Sunscreen is very important after Fraxel to protect your new skin. Do not use any scrubs, alcohol containing toners, acids, or retinols for 2 weeks following treatment.

As always, please call us at (919) 263-8510 or email at provider@lunasolmedspa.com if you have further questions.

• Avoid use of Retinoid products for at least 7 days prior to your appointment
• Avoid excessive sun & UV lamp exposure for 3 weeks prior to and after treatment
• Avoid use of anticoagulants, photo-sensitizers, and exfoliation treatments/peels/scrubs
• Please speak with us prior if you have any skin disorders, cheloids, herpes, or inflammation prior to treatment
• It’s best to wait 2 weeks after getting Botox or filler injections, refer to your practitioner if this applies to you
• If you choose to wear makeup, keep in mind we will have to remove it to treat the area

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your scheduled treatment so we can assist you to get the best results.

● Patient should feel a warm / sunburn sensation for about an hour post treatment

● A thin layer of Aquaphor should be used on the treated area. 

● Keep the area hydrated with Aquaphor. Do not let the skin dry out.

● Sleep with a clean pillow case and head slightly elevated.

● Avoid sun exposure, intense workouts and sweating.

● Avoid touching or cleaning the area for 24 hours.

● Skin should feel rough like sandpaper for 3-4 days post treatment.

● Mineral Makeup can be reapplied 24-48 hours post treatment.

● A cool misting spray may be used for comfort, if needed.

● CoolPeel can be repeated on a monthly basis until desired results are achieved.

It is best recommended to leave your skin without any make-up for at least 24 hours. You can then utilize mineral makeup to ensure you maintain clear pores, and allowing your skin to breathe and heal properly over time.

One of the main benefits of a CoolPeel, is that there is minimal downtime. You should expect to be a little red, as if you have a sunburn, for a day, or two, but nothing should prevent you from returning to your normal daily activities. Your skin may feel dry and scaly as it heals so it is important to keep the skin hydrated.

• Your treatment begins with application of topical numbing cream to your face for approximately 30 minutes prior to treatment in order to provide additional comfort.

• Your provider will gently guide the Clear + Brilliant handpiece across the target area and actively treat your skin for approximately 15-20 minutes.

• Clear + Brilliant utilizes the patented Intelligent Optical Tracking™ System to ensure your provider maintains proper contact with your skin and provides a uniform application to all treated areas.

• The Clear + Brilliant Perméa® handpiece allows safe treatment of darker skin tones.

• Skin will be red and possibly have swelling for the first 24 hours post treatment. I Rescue Post Treatment crème or Alastin Skin Nectar may be applied to speed healing and optimize results. The skin may have a “sandpaper” like feel for a few days as well but make up may be applied if desired.

As always, please call us at (919) 263-8510 or email at provider@lunasolmedspa.com if you have further questions. 

• Discontinue retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide containing products at least one week prior to procedure. Be sure to check all skin care products including over-the-counter.

• If you have any history of cold sores, please let us know as soon as possible so we may prescribe Valtrex for you to take prior and after your procedure.

• No prolonged sun exposure, spray tanning, or tanning bed use for at least 1 week prior to procedure.

• Please try to arrive for your appointment without makeup, but is may be removed at the spa if more convenient.

• Most patients who have tried other lasers report that the Aerolase is much gentler and more pleasant. Patients experience a mild warming sensation on the skin. A slight redness of the skin, if it occurs at all, will typically face within a few hours. 

• It is recommended to not apply anything to the skin 15 minutes post Aerolase. This treatment helps with stimulating collagen so you want that heat response. 

• there is little to no downtime after Aerolase, you may have some mild redness to skin for a few hours then will fade.

• Do not use any products like retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or scrubs to face for 48-72 hours post treatment. 

• You can resume normal daily activities after each treatment, you should avoid direct sun exposure and use sunblock.

• If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please plan to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance. You will have swelling and possibly bruising at the site treated.
• PLEASE inform us if you are taking any medications that prolong bleeding. These may include Coumadin, Plavix, heparin, aspirin, or any other blood thinner. These may increase the likelihood of bruising at the injection site, but please consult your primary physician before discontinuing any of these medications.
• It is recommended to discontinue the use of NSAIDS such as ibuprofen(Advil or Motrin), naproxen(Aleve), gingko biloba, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E, or alcohol at least 3 days to one week prior to your appointment. If you have any questions regarding a medication or supplement not mentioned here, please call prior to your appointment.

• After your Kybella injections, it is normal to have swelling, pinpoint bleeding, bruising, and firmness at the treatment site. Please do not massage or manipulate the area. Small nodular firmness may persist for weeks, but should not be visible.
• You may ice the treated area with a small bag of frozen peas or crushed ice in a sandwich bag for 15 minutes out of each hour for the first 24 hours to decrease swelling. Sleeping with the treated area elevated may also assist in reducing swelling.
• Drink plenty of fluids after treatment.
• Continue to avoid medications mentioned in the pre-care instructions (again, if your primary physician approves), NSAIDS, and supplements for at least 3 days up to 1 week after treatment.
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be taken for discomfort during that time.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for at LEAST 48 hours after treatment.
• Arnica tablets and/or cream may be used to reduce the appearance of a bruise and pineapple may be eaten. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that may help reduce swelling.
• Results may not be complete up to 8 weeks post treatment. Remember to schedule your follow-up/ next treatment for that time. Depending on the size of the area, Kybella may require 2-6 treatments for optimal correction.
• PLEASE call the spa if you experience an asymmetric smile, facial muscle weakness, skin ulceration at the site, or difficulty swallowing.

• Please see instructions for injectables for tips to reduce the incidence of bruising.

• Results from Morpheus8 treatment may be seen in a few days, but will be most noticeable beginning at 3 weeks, with full results at 3 months post treatment.

• Morpheus8 is a collagen building treatment. Results may be optimized by using Alastin Skin Nectar for 2 weeks prior to your treatment to clear old disorganized collagen and prepare for new collagen formation.

• If desired, a pre-treatment medication may be prescribed to help you to relax during your procedure. Please let us know 3-5 days before you would like to pick up your prescription so that we may have it ready for you. If you take medication for your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home after treatment.

• Avoid hair removal, skin resurfacing treatments, exfoliants, and any retinol or tretinoin containing products for 7 days prior to your procedure.

• If you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), discuss with your health care provider whether it is safe for you to stop taking them 5-7 days prior to your procedure.

• If you have a history of cold sores, please inform your provider so that prophylaxis can be started prior to your day of treatment. If you already have a Valtrex prescription, take 500mg twice per day one day before, the day of, and one day after your treatment.

• If you are taking Accutane (isotretinoin), Morpheus8 treatment may be performed six months AFTER medication is completed.

• Once you arrive at the office, a numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area and left in place for one hour to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

• After your procedure, your skin will have some redness and swelling and may show dots/grid marks. This is usually transient and subsides quickly, but you may see it to a degree for up to a week.

• Always wash your hands before touching your face, use clean towels and a clean pillowcase to help prevent infection.

• Do not apply any make up for at least 36 hours and be sure to clean any make up brushes, sponges, and applicators before use.

• Be sure to apply sunscreen of at least 30 spf before any sun exposure.

• Continue use of Alastin Skin Nectar to aid in healing.

• You may experience mild discomfort for 1-2 days, followed by itching while your skin is healing. Avoid scratching treated areas.

• Use a mild facial wash and avoid retinol, tretinoin, acids, vitamin C, scrubs, alcohol based toners, and chemical peels in treated areas for two weeks.

• Avoid activities that can induce heavy perspiration such as strenuous exercise or saunas for 2-3 days.

• Avoid cooling the area immediately after treatment and avoid anti-inflammatory medications for one week.

• Avoid any type of tanning (spray, outdoor, or tanning bed) for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Those with darker tones should consider pre-treating the skin for 2-3 weeks prior to procedure with a lightening skin care product to help reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. Please discuss which product that would be best for you with your provider.
• Discontinue use of retinols and products containing acids such as glycolic or salicylic for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Avoid other procedures in the anticipated treatment areas such as laser, chemical peels, fillers, or Botox (and other neuromodulators) for 3 weeks prior to plasma pen treatment. It is preferable to perform the treatment at approximately the time that Botox is due to see skin as it is naturally positioned.
• Avoid NSAIDs for the week prior to and after treatment.
• Remove contact lenses and lash extensions if the eye area is being treated. Please bring glasses to your appointment, if needed.
• To aid in the healing process, begin taking 2000mg of vitamin C daily for one week prior to and for 12 weeks after treatment.
• Be sure to hydrate skin well and drink plenty of fluids prior to your appointment.

• Your skin will be cleansed, then topical numbing cream will be applied and left in place for 45-60 minutes.
• The pen is held above the skin and a tiny plasma arc connects the tip of the probe to the epidermis. This causes the epidermis to evaporate and the plasma dot is left behind. This is continued in a specific pattern and the skin around the dots tightens. Some discomfort may be felt, but your provider will do everything to keep you as comfortable as possible. Since the treatment involves controlled microtraumas to the skin, you may smell the plasma arc reacting with the skin’s surface during treatment. This is normal and expected.
• As the topical numbing wears off, you will feel a sensation similar to a sunburn that usually dissipates within 2-3 hours. This is also completely normal.

• Inflammation in the area treated is a by-product of the treatment and is necessary for the production of collagen and elastin. Please do as little as can be tolerated to reduce this. Swelling is normal and is especially notable when the eye area is treated, usually lasting 2-3 days. Ice may be applied sparingly keeping the ice pack wrapped to prevent wetting the dots. Sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce swelling.
• After the first 12 hours, the skin may be cleansed with a small amount of gentle cleanser and your fingers twice daily. Do not use washcloths or other exfoliation devices for 21 days and be sure to pat area gently to dry. Men should avoid shaving the area until initial healing is complete.
• It is very important to keep the area as dry as possible while the dots are in place. Do not apply any make up, creams, or sunblock until the dots have fallen off. We will provide an after care serum that may be applied 2-3 times per day.
• The dots should begin to loosen and drop off approximately 5-6 days after treatment. It is VERY IMPORTANT to not pick, pull, or rub at the dots to speed the process. This can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation to occur. You will be ready for them to be gone, but resist, resist, resist…you can do it!
• After the dots have fallen off, it is important to wear sunblock and protect the area from the sun while in the healing (pink) stage and for at least the next 12 weeks.
• Results are usually notable immediately, but full results can be seen in 12 weeks.
• You may return to work the following day, but you will not look your best in the initial healing phase. Most clients find it more comfortable to take time off for recovery, but this is up to you. Feel free to “Rock the Dots” if you like!

• Discontinue retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide containing products at least 24 hours prior to procedure.

• No prolonged sun exposure for at least 24 hours prior to procedure.

• Discontinue NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve/naproxen) or any medication that may make you more prone to bleeding for 7-10 days prior to procedure. Always consult your prescribing physician prior to discontinuing your medications.

• If you have any history of cold sores, please let us know as soon as possible so we may prescribe Valtrex for you to take prior to and after your procedure.

• Please plan treatment with neuromodulators and fillers 2 weeks prior to or after your procedure.

• If you have been taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane) please wait 6 months after completing therapy to schedule your SkinPen treatment.

• Please try to arrive for your appointment without makeup, but it may be removed at the spa if more convenient.

• When you arrive, a numbing gel will be applied to your face for 30-40 minutes.

• After removing the numbing gel, your face will be cleansed with alcohol.

• The treatment usually lasts for 20-30 minutes for full face.

• The area is gently cleansed again with sterile water and aftercare products will be applied.

• Your skin will look as though you have a moderate sunburn and may have some swelling and tightness. This usually resolves within 24 hours

• Please see instructions for aftercare for the Morpheus8 treatment.

• Avoid NSAIDs for 1 week after treatment.

• For 24 hours following treatment always wash your hands prior to touching your face, do not wear makeup, and refrain from swimming or exercise to prevent infection.

• Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Schedule your filler and neuromodulator (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau) appointments at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the filler and neuromodulator injections may take approximately 4 to 7 days to begin to appear. Also, bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
• Please reschedule your appointment with us at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish in the area.
• If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may prescribe an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
• Be sure to eat and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Please do not manipulate or massage the treated area for 3 hours following treatment. Delay receiving facial or laser treatments after injections for at least 10 days. Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services
• Recent studies have shown that moving treated muscles for 10-15 minutes immediately after neuromodulator treatments may speed the onset of effect.
• Keep your head higher than your heart for 4 hours after your treatment. This will prevent the medications used from tracking into the orbit of your eye and causing drooping eyelid.
• Depending on the medication used, dosing, and your body chemistry, results may begin to be seen in 4-7 days.  Full effect should be seen 2 weeks after your treatment .  Please keep your follow up appointment to assess to see if a touch up or adjustment needs to be made. You are charged for the amount of product used and will be charged for any used during any touch-up or subsequent appointments.
• Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 12 hours after treatment. Excessive heat generated may cause breakdown of the medication.

• Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Schedule your filler and neuromodulator (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau) appointments at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the filler and neuromodulator injections may take approximately 4 to 7 days to begin to appear. Also, bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
• Please reschedule your appointment with us at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish in the area.
• If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may prescribe an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
• Be sure to eat and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area, unless instructed by your provider.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.
• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling.
• If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour.
• Use Tylenol for discomfort.
• Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
• Take Arnica to help the bruising and swelling, starting at least 2 days prior to injections.

• Discontinue retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide containing products at least 1-2 weeks prior to treatment. Be sure to check all skin care products including over-the-counter.

• No prolonged sun exposure and tanning bed use for at least 1-2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Set aside 4-6 days for flaking skin.

• Avoid any deep laser treatments (Fraxel, Fractional etc) 4-6 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avoid any treatments like (Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Laser hair removal, and waxing) 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avid Botox & Filler treatments one week prior to treatment.

• Follow post care skincare products following treatment for the next 28 days (we recommend not to use any other skincare products during this time).

• Avoid any exfoliating products and cleansing devices for one month after treatment.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat for at least one month after treatment.

• Do no workout for 48-72 hours post treatment.

• Do not pick at skin when it starts to flake and peel this can cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation if skin is lifted up too soon 

• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and hot yoga for a least one week after treatment.

Redness, itchiness, swelling, dryness, tightness and discoloration to brown are common. Skin will start to peel in 48-72 hours post treatment. The peeling will last 5-7 days. Most peeling will occur on day 2 to day 4.

• Stop taking NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve/naproxen) 7-10 days prior to your appointment.

• Avoid taking supplements that can slow blood clotting, i.e. garlic, gingko, vitamin E, fish oil, and green tea for 7-10 days prior to your appointment.

• Eat plenty of Vitamin K rich leafy greens such as kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, brussel sprouts, and green beans.

• Pineapple contains bromelain which can help a bruise heal more quickly. You may want to eat pineapple in the days leading up to and following your appointment, or you can also take bromelain as a supplement 250mg three times per day.

• Taking arnica tablets prior to and after your appointment may help any bruising that may occur heal faster. If you have injections on a regular basis, already having arnica gel for topical use and tablets on hand is a time saver.

• We try very hard to avoid bruising, but always be prepared that it can (and does) happen. Keep a color corrector make up kit for covering up any bruising that does occur. They can be found in any drugstore and usually have concealer colors such as green, yellow, peach, and lavender. Using the color corrector under regular concealer can help cancel out the color of the bruise.

• Finally, always schedule your appointment at least two weeks prior to any important event.