Laser aftercare (non-ablative)

Non-ablative laser is a safe and effective treatment for skin pigmentation including melasma, freckles or “age spots”, blood vessels and generalised redness, acne and general skin tone and health.

Ablative vs. non-ablative

Ablative treatments intentionally cause damage to the skin surface to force the growth of new skin cells. They are used for resurfacing, remodelling scars, removing some moles and treating severely sun-damaged skin.

A non-ablative treatment is one that doesn’t damage the skin surface. Non-ablative laser treatments are a good choice for people who want minimal downtime and a normal facial appearance soon after treatment.

What to expect after treatment

The treated area will be red and may feel warm, like a moderate sunburn. This settles typically by the day after treatment, but sometimes it takes 2-3 days.

Freckles and age spots will appear darker. After a few days, they may feel dry or crusted and peel off. Alternatively, they may gradually fade without changes to the consistency of the skin.

Blood vessels may appear darkened and bruised. This appearance usually settles in about a week.

By 4 weeks after your initial treatment (or 6 weeks if the treatment is on the body), it will be possible for your doctor or nurse to examine the area to assess how well the treatment worked and to continue with further treatments if necessary.

How to manage your skin

On day 1

Avoid heavy exercise and sweating for 24 hours following treatment.

If the area becomes red, sore or sensitive to touch, wash the area using a gentle skin cleanser and cool water, and apply a cool compress or ice pack (a bag of frozen vegetables covered in clean plastic wrap works well if you don’t have an ice pack). If redness and sensitivity continue for more than 12 hours, contact us.

On day 3

If you have a history of cold sores, your doctor may have prescribed anti-viral medication such as famciclovir. Continue taking it for 3 days after your procedure.

Appy LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast balm to the treated areas as required for comfort over the next 2-3 days. You can continue using Cicaplast twice daily even if the area isn’t uncomfortable, since it enhances skin repair.

If crusting or blistering occurs:

• Do not peel or pick at it, as this may increase the risk of scarring.
• Apply Cicaplast balm.
• Contact us if you are concerned.

If you develop a hive-like reaction, apply hydrocortisone 0.5% cream to the affected area twice daily for no more than 3 days. This cream is available over the counter from pharmacies.

Avoid shaving the area for 3 days.

Days 7-14

Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area for at least 2 weeks days after treatment. When going outside, wear broad spectrum SPF50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Apply a gentle sunscreen daily, even in winter, indefinitely, to preserve the results of treatment. We recommend Cetaphil Sun Kids.

“Apply a gentle sunscreen daily, even in winter, indefinitely, to preserve the results of treatment.”

Don’t use topical products that may irritate your face:

• AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, tretinoin, Retin‑A or other retinoids or other cosmeceuticals.
• Antiseptics such as iodine, Dettol or tea tree oil. These products can be toxic to new skin cells.
• Vitamin E cream. Vitamin E commonly causes irritation to healing skin.
• Fragrances, essential oils, toners and alcohol-based products.
• Soaps.

For 4 weeks

Clean the area daily using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Daily Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Use a healing moisturiser daily. We recommend Bernier Solarcare B3 or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast.

Don’t pick at or peel crusts on your skin. This increases the risk of scarring. Apply moisturiser to the crusted area.

If you have planned further treatment, ensure that the treated area isn’t exposed to direct sunlight since we can’t safely continue treatment if your skin is tanned.

Your next appointment

Return to the clinic after Your follow-up treatment is usually 4 weeks later, but the period between treatments may be longer or shorter according to the body region and type of treatment. Your doctor, nurse or dermal clinicam will examine the treated area to decide what further treatment may be required.