Preparing for Your Benign Pigmentation Picolaser Refinement
The goal of pre-treatment care is to calm the skin and minimise the risk of a reaction or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Sun Exposure and Tanning
Tanned skin absorbs laser energy intended for the melanin deposits, increasing the risk of burns and complications like Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Strictly avoid direct sun exposure on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks.
- Discontinue any tanning product or procedure (including tanning beds and self-tanning creams) for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
- Strict, daily and rigorous use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, containing physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is mandatory.
Medications and Topical Product
These ingredients make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation from the laser.
Photosensitive drugs can lead to a severe reaction.
- Stop Retinoids/Exfoliants: Discontinue all vitamin A derivatives (Retinoids, Retin-A, Retinol) and strong chemical exfoliants, 7-14 days before treatment.
- Photosensitizing Oral Medications: Medications known to cause photosensitivity (e.g., certain antibiotics like Doxycycline) must be discussed, as they may need to be stopped 5-7 days prior, only with clearance from the prescribing physician.
- Avoid Blood Thinners/NSAIDs: To minimize bruising (purpura), stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's like Ibuprofen, Naproxen) and high-dose supplements like Vitamin E, Fish Oil, or Gingko Biloba 3-7 days before treatment. Aspirin use must be discussed with your primary care physician.
- Hydroquinone: If you are using hydroquinone for pre-treatment preparation, your clinician will advise when to stop; typically, it is discontinued 3-5 days before the procedure to avoid excessive irritation.
Skin Integrity and local trauma
The skin must be completely intact and calm before the laser procedure.
- Avoid waxing, threading, or chemical peels in the treatment area for at least 2 weeks.
Absolute Contraindications and Eligibility
- Pregnancy and Nursing: Treatment is strictly contraindicated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Age: Patients must be 18 years of age or older to consent to treatment (or minors with explicit medical and parental approval).
- Active Infections/Wounds: The treatment area must be completely free of any open wounds, active infections, cold sores, or dermatitis. Prophylactic antiviral medication may be required if you have a history of cold sores.
- Systemic Medications/Implants: Treatment is contraindicated if you have taken oral Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 to 12 months or if you have metal implants (including screws or plates), or a history of gold therapy directly within the area to be treated, due to the risk of heating the metal.
- Further Notes: Pregnant patients; Patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer; Dysplastic nevi; Accutane if taken in the prior 6 months; Gold Therapy; Photosensitizing drugs (Tetracycline, etc); Bleeding disorders or history of coagulopathies; Wound infections; Open lesions.
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