Pigmented Lesion

• The number of treatment sessions required varies from patient to patient, but typically two to four sessions are needed.
• Each session usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, but again will vary depending on your individual needs.
• Some people feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, describing the sensation as similar to having an elastic band snapped against the skin.  Ask your provider what you should expect.
• You will be able to resume normal activities after each session, but you may be given specific advice, such as avoiding sun or abrasive skin cleansers on treated skin for a few days.
• After the treatment, a cool compress or gel pack may be applied. If you do have any redness or swelling after treatment, this should resolve in a couple of hours. Permanent side effects are rare but should be discussed with your provider.
• You should always follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

There are a number of effects of a laser treatment.  These are common and include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering/Crusting
• Darkening
• General warm sensation

These can last from several hours to up to 14 days.  This depends on each person’s skin and how it will react.  Most side effects are expected to last no more than 7 days.  Ice packs, cold compresses and antibiotic creams (for the blisters) can help with healing.  DO NOT peel off any of the crusting but rather allow it to heal on its own.

If any of the conditions worsen or do not heal over time, you will need to consult your doctor.

Freckles, capillaries, spider veins, and other skin pigmentation that was the target of the treatment may become darker for 2 weeks following the treatment.  This will eventually give way to a lightening of the area.

Areas of the body that were targeted for hair removal will continue to grow hair.  Some of this hair will follow out on its own.  The remainder will grow less dense after each laser treatment.  In order to completely work through the area, multiple treatments will be required.  This is because each hair follicle grows in different stages.  Approximately 20% reduction of hair growth noted 4 – 8 weeks following each procedure.

Tips for a better recovery:

1. Avoid hot water on the treated area
2. If part of the treatment included any part of your face, wash your face with soap-free skin cleansing gel, micellar water, or just water.  Continue to do this for the first 2 to 3 days post treatment.  Do not dry your face by rubbing with a towel as this can cause irritation.
3. Treat the target area with Aloe Vera to help with any discomfort.  You can also apply gentle skin creams that provide some SPF protection such as CeraVe Or Alantan.
4. Keep the treated area covered with sunscreen (one that protects against UV rays and is SPF 50).
5. If the target areas include the underarms, avoid using deodorant/antiperspirant for 2 weeks as this may irritate the skin.
6. Avoid sun (as well as ultraviolet light and tanning beds) as much as possible as this may cause spots that will need several months to fade.  If this is not possible, ensure sunscreen is on for 4 weeks following the treatment and do your best to cover the area with light material.
7. Avoid skin care products that may irritate the skin, such as scrubs, exfoliants, and alpha/beta hydroxy acid for at least 2 weeks.
8. Avoid exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
9. Avoid excessive heat from saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers/baths.
10. Avoid irritating the area with clothing.  Ideally, wear light colored cotton.
11. Do not use hairspray
12. If you think you may have an infection, call your doctor right away.

• Avoid sun exposure 4-6 weeks before and after treatment until your physician allows it.
• Your provider may ask you to stop any topical medications or skin care products 3-5 days prior to treatment.
• If you have had a history of perioral herpes simplex virus, your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy when treating that area. Follow the directions for your particular medication.
• If you are tanned or have a darker Fitzpatrick Skin Type, a bleaching regimen may be started at least two weeks before treatment.
• RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED! If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tanning, you may develop hypopigmentation (white spots) and this may not clear for 2-3 months or more.
• The use of self-tanning skin care products must be discontinued one week before treatment. Any residual selftanner must be removed prior to treatment.

• The skin is thoroughly cleaned prior to treatment. Anesthesia is most often not required.
• When treating the upper lip, the teeth may be protected with moist white gauze. The gauze also serves to support the lip during treatment, allowing a surface to push against.
• The DCD cooling device is typically not used during the treatment. It may be used if the provider desires.
• Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Protective eyewear will be worn by the patient and all personnel in the operative suite during the procedure to reduce the chance of damage to the eye. Your provider will take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and comfort.

• Immediately after treatment, there may be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site, which may last up to 2 hours, or longer. The erythema may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area will feel like a sunburn for a few hours after treatment.
• Your provider may use an optional cooling method immediately following treatment to ensure your comfort.
• A topical soothing skin care product such as aloe vera gel may be applied following treatment if desired.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as hot baths, jacuzzi, and saunas.  Instead only take showers with slightly warm water.
• If part of the treatment included any part of your face, wash your face with soap-free skin cleansing gel, micellar water, or just water.  Continue to do this for the first 2 to 3 days post treatment.  Do not dry your face by rubbing with a towel as this can cause irritation.
• Avoid using products that may irritate the treated skin.  This includes products containing alcohol, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic/glycolic acid, acids, scrubs, astringents, etc.
• Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for 3 days.  You can apply mineral cosmetic products but no sooner than 24 hours after treatment.   
• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation).  Use sunblock (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course of treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
• The treated pigment will appear darker immediately and within the first few days following treatment. The darkened pigment will flake off like dry skin within 7-14 days. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin.
• There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had a sunburn, for the first 24 hours
• Drink 1.5 litres of water every day to help with healing.  Add freshly squeezed lemon or grapefruit juice.

• Immediate (tan to brown) darkening of the lesion.
• Slight peri-lesional erythema and urticaria.
• Formation of superficial red-brown scale which resolves within 7 – 14 days.
• Gradual fading over 4 – 6 weeks.