Before your COOL PEEL appointment:

It is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before your treatment. These guidelines can reduce possible side effects associated with the procedure and make all the difference between a fair result.

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    7-28 days prior to treatment (to hydrate your skin and optimize treatment results):

• Hydrate and Protect:

• Moisturize skin at least 2x a day (AM/PM)

• Increase water intake to 8 glasses of water (8oz) or more per day

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

       If exposure is unavoidable, use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen of at least SPF 30+

• Do not apply self-tanner for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avoid taking anticoagulants for 10 days before treatment if the medical condition allows.  Consult with your physician.

• Patients should be off Accutane for a minimum of 6 months prior to treatment. Inform your provider if you have taken it in the past year.

• Over-the-Counter Medications- Avoid aspirin, naproxen, and Ibuprofen for one week prior to your treatment. Inform your provider if you are taking aspirin or Ibuprofen regularly.

• Supplements- Avoid fish oil, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other supplements one week before treatment.

• Alcohol – avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment.

• Ice Packs- Store ice packs in your freezer for use after you get home from the procedure.

• Special Events- Schedule your treatment at least four weeks prior to a special event i.e., wedding, vacation, speaking engagement, to allow time for the healing process.

• Photographs- Take at-home photos to monitor your skin improvement.

• Please arrive at your appointment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder, or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated. Wear comfortable clothing with an open collar.

• Notify your provider if you have a history of cold sores, an anti-viral will be prescribed and you should begin taking it one day before treatment and continue as directed

• Patients with darker skin types are recommended to apply a topical treatment that inhibits melanin production for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Please discuss this with your provider if applicable. 

• Please anticipate the need to avoid face coverings for 24 hours following the procedure.

• Men should have a cleanly shaven face the night before or the morning of the procedure – without visible stubble.

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    3-7 days before your treatment:

• Prepare your skin:

• Discontinue any topical retinoid therapy, glycolic, alpha/beta hydroxy acids, and exfoliants 1 week prior to treatment.

• If you have a history of fever blisters, ask your provider about starting an antiviral

• prophylaxis 3-7 days before the treatment

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     Day of the Treatment:​

• Prep for the treatment:

• You may be asked to thoroughly cleanse the skin in the area to be treated. Remove all

       hairspray, makeup, gels, ointments, lotions, self-tanning products, & perfumes

• Do not use an alcohol-based cleanser as it may remove moisture from the treatment area

• Once the skin is clean, pre-treatment photos will be taken

• Topical numbing will likely be applied and removed prior to the treatment

• You may wish to bring earbuds (not headphones) to use during treatment as the machinery can be loud.

      During the treatment:

• Protective eyewear will be used during the treatment

• A smoke evacuator (sounds like a vacuum) will likely be running to remove smoke/debris from

• the air

 

       After the Treatment:

• The CoolPeel is a “no downtime” procedure, however, plan accordingly if you think you will be self-conscious about a red face. But there is no reason you should not be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately.

• Immediately after treatment you may have cool compresses or a zimmer air chiller available to

       help remove any excess heat – it may be used for longer times with more aggressive treatments

• Apply a topical ointment (like Vaseline or Petrolatum ointment) to the treated area(s) once the

      perception of heat has been reduced. Keep a very thin layer of Aquaphor on as needed for up to 3                    days or longer post-procedure. Do not let the skin dry out. Avoid dryness and dry scab formation.

• Many patients see redness for 3-5 days or more after the treatments

       Redness is expected to last longer with stronger treatments

• To help lessen the potential for swelling, consider sleeping with the treatment area elevated

• Swelling and a mild to moderate sunburn sensation are common after the treatments and may

       last 1-3 days

• Your skin may become very itchy in the early healing phase. You may take Benadryl, and apply a cold mask to the face.

• One day after treatment your skin will begin to feel rough like sandpaper.

• It’s possible that after the second day, the skin may appear as an exaggerated tan

• Skin may flake during the healing process

          -Face and Neck ~ 5-7 days
          -Chest ~7-10 days
          -Hands ~10-14 + days​​​

• Minimize the exposure to pets, especially cats

• Do not allow any pet to lick the treatment area

• Limit alcohol consumption after the treatment to help minimize the risk for additional

       complications like bruising

• Avoid makeup and sunscreen for a minimum of 2 days post-procedure – just cleanse and use Aquaphor.

• Sleep with a clean pillowcase and head slightly elevated.  Mild swelling will occur upon wakening for the first 48-72 hours post-treatment

• Avoid applying ACTIVE ingredients to the skin for 1 week.  This includes benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, AHA, BHA, retinol, vitamin C, and alcohol-based toners.

• Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours after your treatment and wear SPF 50 thereafter to protect the skin.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment.

• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 1-week post-procedure

• Use clean, disposable, breathable face masks after treatment, but avoid masks for up to 2 days if possible

• Apply ice mask provided (with cloth barrier) to the treatment area for up to 10 minutes per hour, several times a day for 24-48 hours, or as needed

• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one month after the procedure. Lifetime daily sunblock use is recommended to prolong your results and protect your skin from photo-aging

• Bathing- There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently

• Acne or Milia formation- Flare-up acne or formation of milia can occur in the post-operative period. Please contact your provider if you experience acne or milia.

• Average duration of redness is expected to be about 24-48 hours for CoolPeel.

       

      Days 2-7 After:

• AM

         -Wash the treatment area with a mild soap or gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) and gently blot dry. 

         -When washing, the old skin will come off
         -If a post treatment product was purchased, it may be applied at this time
         -Wait ~ ten minutes to apply a zinc oxide-based sunblock
                      Allow the sunblock to rest, undisturbed for 5 minutes
         -Apply Vaseline or Petrolatum ointment to the treated areas
                     The layer should be ~ the thickness of a dime or thinner
         -Reapply every 3-4 hours and as needed to maintain a moist environment
         -Your provider will inform you when you may resume the use of your usual skin care regime
         -Avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area
         -Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation
         -Continue using a zinc oxide-based sun block with an SPF 30+

• PM

        -Gently wash the treatment area using the mild cleanser mild soap or gentle cleanser
         (Cetaphil) and gently blot dry
        -If a post treatment product was purchased, you may apply it at this time
              Wait for ten minutes to apply Vaseline or Petrolatum ointment to the treated areas
              The layer should be the thickness of a dime (or a little less)
         -Avoid exercise or any excessive heat for 1 week post treatment

•   You may resume retinol products 7 days after your treatment

• .Your skin may continue to be a little red and sensitive over the next couple of weeks as it fully heals.​​

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                            *Call your healthcare provider’s office with any questions or concerns​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​