Rosacea Treatment

• The GentleMax Pro laser increases the temperature of the skin, destroying existing collagen and promoting the generation of it again.  This process assists in diffusing the redness caused by Rosacea. 
• The number of treatment sessions required varies from patient to patient, but is usually between two and three at a four week interval.
• Each session usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, but again will vary depending on your individual needs.
• 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 practitioner.
• 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 the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment until your healthcare provider allows it.
• Your provider may ask you to stop any topical medications or skin care products 3-5 days prior to treatment.
• If have had a history of perioral herpes simplex virus, your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy.  Follow the directions for your particular antiviral medication.
• If you are tanned or have a darker Fitzpatrick Skin Type, a bleaching regimen may be started at least 2 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) after treatment and this may not clear for 2-3 months.
• 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 cleaned thoroughly prior to treatment. A topical anesthetic may be used.
• 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 cryogen skin cooling is not used during this treatment as it is important for the skin to maintain a specific temperature.
• Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Protective eye wear 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 all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

• Immediately after treatment, there should be mild erythema (redness) and mild 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 sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Some patients note that their skin feels pleasantly warm after treatment. 
• Your provider may use an optional cooling method after treatment to ensure your comfort. 
• 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 drinking alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
• 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 picking or scratching the treated skin.
• Drink 1.5 litres of water every day to help with healing.  Add freshly squeezed lemon or grapefruit juice.

• Immediate erythema and erythema which subsides within several hours.
• Improvement noted following a series of 2 – 3 treatments performed one month apart.