Please read the information that is related to your procedure. Contact the office with any questions
SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen What To Expect:
• The treatment area will be numbed for 30 minutes prior to the procedure with a topical numbing cream. While SkinPen is safe during pregnancy, the numbing cream we use is NOT. Use over the counter 4% lidocaine cream for numbing, please purchase in advance.
• With the numbing cream, the procedure is usually painless or minimally uncomfortable in some spots.
• The treated area may be pink and mildly inflamed (similar to the appearance of a mild sunburn) for 24- 48 hours following your SkinPen procedure, and you may have pinpoint scabs due to the needles.
• As with most cosmetic treatments, more than 1 may be necessary to achieve optimal results. We recommend a series of 3 for maximum improvement, especially if treating acne scars.
SkinPen Pre-Treatment Information:
• Wait at least 3 months post Isotretinoin use before your SkinPen procedure, as Isotretinoin use may impair proper wound healing.
• Discontinue the use of topical products containing AHAs (glycolic acid) BHAs (salicyclic acid) and Retinols, 3 days prior to your SkinPen procedure.
• Avoid significant sun exposure on treatment area for at least 1 week prior to the procedure.
• If you are having severe acne breakouts, best to delay the procedure until the acne is under better control.
• Schedule at least 2 weeks before or after other cosmetic services including laser hair removal, chemical peels and other laser treatments.
SkinPen Post-Treatment Instructions:
• No makeup on face for 24 hours post-procedure; eye makeup is OK.
• After the treatment, no products EXCEPT for water to cleanse AND the hyaluronic acid we give you for 24 hours.
• No sun for 24 hours as you will not be able to wear sunscreen. You may return to sunscreen use 24 hours following the procedure but continue to minimize sun exposure for 72 hours following the procedure.
• You can exercise after 24 hours. You may experience slight stinging from perspiration.
• Avoid use of topical products containing AHAs, BHAs, or Retinols, for 5 days
• Your skin will feel tight and it is good to use the hyaluronic acid several times a day for a few days.
Your skin may slough for a few days, sometimes starting the next day, sometimes a few days later. Normal!
Fraxel Dual
Fraxel Dual What To Expect:
Fraxel Dual has 2 wavelengths: 1927 and 1550. That’s why it’s called Dual. One wavelength can be used or both.
• 1927 is more superficial and treats more topical skin related things like sunspots and age spots. This will cause a bronzing/darkening of the face with the worst days 2 and 3 days after the procedure, with peeling usually ending by day 4 or 5.
• 1550 goes deeper and treats things like: building collagen, makes pores look smaller, fine wrinkles, improves texture, and treats acne scarring and other scarring. This causes redness and swelling, usually better by day 3, no peeling.
• You can exercise after 24 hours.
• You can wear make-up after 48 hours.
• The treatment area will be numbed for 60 minutes prior to the procedure with topical numbing cream. While Fraxel treatments are safe during pregnancy, the numbing cream we use is NOT. Use over the counter 4% lidocaine cream for numbing, please purchase in advance. The procedure is minimally uncomfortable in some spots.
• Botox OK 1 week before/after.
• Filler OK 2 weeks before/after.
• As with most laser treatments, more than 1 may be necessary to achieve optimal results. We recommend 1-2 treatments for 1927 and 3-5 for 1550. Even 1 per year will make a difference.
Fraxel Dual Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Following these steps will help optimize treatment outcomes and reduce risks.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: No tanning, sunbathing, self-tanners, or gel/cream bronzers for 2 weeks before treatment.
• Discontinue certain skincare products. Stop retinoids, glycolic acids, or exfoliants 3 days before treatment.
• Cold Sores: If you have a history of cold sores, inform Dr. Fishman in advance so she can give you Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) in the office pre-procedure to help prevent breakout.
• Hydrate Skin: You will heal more quickly if you hydrate your skin well the few days leading up to treatment. Bland moisturizers are best with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or ceramides.
• Skip irritants: Avoid harsh cleansers, scrubs, or chemical peels 1 week before treatment.
• Arrive clean-faced, without make-up. Numbing takes 1 full hour.
• If you are pregnant/nursing an over-the-counter 4% lidocaine cream for numbing must be used. Please purchase in advance.
What to Expect After Fraxel Dual Laser Treatment:
Treatment can cause side effects, which may vary based on treatment intensity and individual healing including but not limited to:
• Redness, swelling, and possible pinpoint bleeding, especially under the eyes, lasting 2-3 days with the 1540 wavelength, used to treat scars, improve texture, increase collagen, reduce appearance of wrinkles, minimize pore size.
• Intense heat sensation for 2-3 hours.
• Skin may appear bronzed if we use the 1927 wavelength for sun/age spots/pigmentation, with a dry, flaky, or sandpaper-like texture (3-7 days for face, up to 2 weeks for off-face areas.)
• Pinkness may remain for several weeks, reducing after the first week.
• Allow 1 full week to heal before you have a big event like a wedding/speaking engagement.
Fraxel Dual Post-Treatment Care:
• Immediately After: Use hyaluronic acid as often as you like. Do not use any petrolatum, lanolin, Aquaphor, Vaseline for at least 2 days after treatment as this can increase breakouts.
• Apply icepacks for heat relief, 10 minutes on/10 off.
• Day of treatment: Use ONLY water to cleanse area AND hyaluronic acid to moisturize. Avoid drinking alcohol as this may make your face feel warmer.
• Day 1: Cleanse gently and moisturize. Use hyaluronic acid or bland moisturizer. No scrubbing or exfoliating. Protect treated areas from irritation/friction.
• No make-up for 48 hours.
• First Week: Keep skin clean and avoid smoking, excessive sweating, swimming, sauna/steam room or sun exposure. Exercise/yoga are OK after 24 hours. Wash with gentle cleanser and reapply moisturizer.
• Avoid: Scrubs, toners, glycolic acids, and tretinoin/retinols during the first week.
• Skin Care Products: Use non-irritating, non-clogging products. Examples include: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, Neutrogena Hydrogel Cream, any hyaluronic acid. DO NOT use retinols, AHAs, BHAs, or oils with botanicals for 1 week.
• Normal Routine: Once sloughing completes (typically 3-7 days), resume your normal skincare and makeup routine. Moisturize often.
• Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily for at least 3 months after treatment. Wear a brimmed hat during prolonged exposure.
• Bleaching Creams: Discontinue while healing. Resume after your skin has healed.
Cold Sores: If you have a history of cold sores, alert Dr. Fishman in advance. If you develop an outbreak or you notice blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting, pigment changes, or other concerns, contact Dr. Fishman immediately.
Post Treatment Progress:
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
This information is provided as a reference for care. More specific information may be necessary pre/post treatment. Your provider may provide additional information for your care. There may be information on the Site that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies, or omissions that may relate to the Site, including descriptions, pricing, availability, and various other information. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update the information on the Site at any time, without prior notice.