After-Care · Preparation & recovery
Don't Leave Pre and Post Care Instructions
Prepare for scar-treatment visits and protect healing skin afterward. Follow your provider’s personalized plan.
Before treatment
- Scars must be fully healed, at least 1 year old, with no open wounds. Arrive clean and shaved. Hydrate normally during the preceding 24 hours.
- Avoid sun/tanning for 4 weeks before; self-tanner for 2 weeks. Use SPF 45+ throughout treatment and for 6 months afterward.
- Pause glycolic/salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids 5–7 days before; confirm prescription changes. Persistent pinpoint texture from the prior visit: call to reschedule 2 weeks later.
After treatment
- Avoid makeup for 2–3 days; sun/tanning for 4 weeks. Avoid swimming, chlorine, tight clothing, exercise, sweating, and excessive heat until cleared by your provider.
- Do not pick, scrub, or exfoliate. Use cloth-wrapped cold packs as needed, never direct ice. Once healed, use fragrance-free moisturizer or Aquaphor as directed.
Healing and support
- Sunburn-like discomfort usually eases within 24 hours; redness/swelling may last 24–48 hours, sometimes 3–5 days.
- For emotional distress or self-harm thoughts, call/text 988. Call 911 for immediate danger or an injury needing emergency care.
When to get help
- Call Beauty Lab + Laser for blisters, worsening pain, spreading redness, drainage, or fever. Seek urgent care for severe symptoms or if unavailable.
- Call 911 for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, or collapse.