Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential for supporting skin recovery, reducing the risk of complications, and achieving the best possible treatment outcome.
Please select your treatment below and follow the instructions provided by your SKINnovative medical professional. Your personalized instructions may differ depending on the treatment area, treatment intensity, skin type, medical history, and products used.
These instructions are general guidelines and do not replace individualized medical advice. Always follow the specific directions given by your treating provider.
Contact SKINnovative Medical Aesthetics promptly if you experience symptoms that appear unusual, severe, or progressively worsen.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial swelling, chest pain, fainting, sudden vision changes, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or any other medical emergency.
Morpheus8 Burst
Morpheus8 Burst Aftercare
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. Temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, pinpoint bleeding, mild bruising, dryness, and a rough or sandpaper-like texture may occur.
What to Expect
- Redness and warmth similar to a sunburn for approximately 1–3 days
- Mild to moderate swelling, especially around the eyes or jawline
- Small needle marks, pinpoint scabbing, or temporary grid marks
- Dryness, tightness, itching, or rough skin for several days
- Mild bruising in some areas
- Gradual improvement as collagen remodeling continues over the following weeks and months
First 24 Hours
- Do not touch the treated area unless your hands are freshly washed.
- Do not wash the area for the period recommended by your provider.
- Once permitted, cleanse gently with cool or lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
- Apply only the recovery products recommended by SKINnovative.
- Do not apply makeup unless your provider has approved it.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated if swelling is present.
- Use a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping directly on the treated area.
For 48–72 Hours
Avoid:
- Strenuous exercise and excessive sweating
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot showers
- Swimming pools, oceans, and other potentially contaminated water
- Direct sun exposure
- Alcohol if you are experiencing significant swelling or bruising
- Scrubs, cleansing brushes, exfoliation, and picking at the skin
Skincare Restrictions
Until the skin is fully calm and intact, avoid:
- Retinol and prescription retinoids
- Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and other exfoliating acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone
- Vitamin C products that sting or irritate
- Strong acne medications
- Fragranced or alcohol-based skincare
Restart active products only when your provider approves or when the skin has completely healed without redness, sensitivity, or flaking.
Sun Protection
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Once your provider permits sunscreen application, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply as directed.
Contact Us Immediately If You Develop
- Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement
- Blisters or burns
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Pus, drainage, or signs of infection
- Severe or persistent swelling
- New areas of significant discoloration
- A cold-sore outbreak or unusual rash
CoolPeel CO2 Laser
CoolPeel CO₂ Laser Aftercare
CoolPeel is a superficial fractional CO₂ laser treatment. Redness, warmth, dryness, and a rough or bronzed texture are common during recovery.
What to Expect
- Redness and warmth similar to a sunburn
- Mild swelling for approximately 1–3 days
- Dryness, tightness, itching, and a sandpaper-like texture
- Small brown or bronze dots in the treatment pattern
- Light flaking as treated skin naturally sheds
- Temporary darkening of existing pigmentation
- Improvement in tone and texture over the following weeks
Do not pull, scrub, or exfoliate peeling skin.
First 24 Hours
- Do not touch the treated area with unwashed hands.
- Follow the cleansing schedule given by your provider.
- Use cool or lukewarm water rather than hot water.
- Apply only the recommended post-laser moisturizer, ointment, or recovery product.
- Do not apply makeup until your provider approves it.
- Use a clean pillowcase and clean towels.
- Sleep with your head elevated if swelling is present.
During the First Week
Avoid:
- Direct sun exposure
- Strenuous exercise until heat and redness have substantially resolved
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and very hot showers
- Swimming
- Waxing, threading, depilatory creams, and facial devices
- Scrubs, exfoliating pads, and cleansing brushes
- Picking or removing flakes
- Retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and other irritating products
Use a gentle cleanser and the moisturizer recommended by your provider.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is mandatory after CO₂ laser treatment. Once sunscreen is permitted, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily. Wear a hat and minimize direct sun exposure.
Contact Us Immediately If You Develop
- Blistering or open sores
- Increasing pain, redness, or swelling
- Yellow drainage, pus, or crusting
- Fever or chills
- A cold-sore outbreak
- Significant darkening or lightening of the skin
- Symptoms that worsen after initially improving
DEKA Pulse Fractional CO2 Laser
DEKA Pulse Fractional CO₂ Laser Aftercare
DEKA Pulse is a fractional ablative CO₂ resurfacing treatment. Recovery is more intensive than after CoolPeel and may involve significant redness, swelling, peeling, crusting, or oozing.
Follow the personalized instructions provided by your medical professional exactly.
What to Expect
Depending on the treatment intensity, you may experience:
- Significant warmth or burning during the first several hours
- Redness and swelling, particularly around the eyes
- Pinpoint bleeding or clear/yellowish fluid
- Crusting, bronzing, peeling, or flaking
- Itching and tightness
- Temporary darkening of pigmentation
- Pink or red skin after the surface has healed
- Recovery lasting approximately 7–14 days or longer with more intensive treatment
Residual redness may continue beyond the initial healing period.
Wound Care
- Wash your hands before touching the treated area.
- Cleanse the skin exactly as instructed by your provider.
- Use only the prescribed or recommended ointment and recovery products.
- Keep the treated skin continuously moisturized if instructed.
- Do not allow thick, dry crusts to build up.
- Do not peel or pick at the skin.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, essential oils, or unapproved antiseptics.
- Change pillowcases and towels frequently.
- Avoid contact with pets, dirty surfaces, dust, and environmental contaminants.
Your provider may recommend vinegar soaks or another cleansing protocol. Use only the concentration and frequency specifically provided by SKINnovative.
Activity Restrictions
Until the skin has re-epithelialized and your provider clears you:
- Do not exercise or sweat excessively.
- Do not use saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or pools.
- Do not take hot showers.
- Do not wear makeup.
- Avoid direct sun and heat exposure.
- Avoid shaving over open, peeling, or crusted skin.
- Do not undergo facials, waxing, peels, injectables, or other treatments.
Medications
Take antiviral, antibiotic, or other prescribed medication exactly as directed. Do not discontinue prescribed medication without speaking to your provider.
Skincare After Healing
Restart active skincare gradually and only after approval. Retinoids, exfoliating acids, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, and strong vitamin C products should not be used on actively healing skin.
Contact Us Immediately If You Develop
- Severe or increasing pain
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Blisters, extensive open areas, or skin breakdown
- Green, thick yellow, or foul-smelling drainage
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Fever or chills
- A cold-sore outbreak
- Eye pain or vision changes
- Delayed healing or symptoms that worsen rather than improve
Microneedling
Microneedling Aftercare
Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin. Temporary redness, sensitivity, dryness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding may occur.
What to Expect
- Redness similar to a mild or moderate sunburn
- Mild swelling and warmth
- Tightness, dryness, and light flaking
- Temporary sensitivity
- Pinpoint marks or minor bruising
- Rough texture for several days
First 24 Hours
- Do not touch your face unnecessarily.
- Do not apply unapproved skincare or makeup.
- Follow your provider’s instructions regarding when to cleanse.
- Use clean hands, a gentle cleanser, and lukewarm water.
- Apply only the recommended recovery serum or moisturizer.
- Use a clean pillowcase.
For 48–72 Hours
Avoid:
- Exercise and excessive sweating
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot showers
- Swimming
- Makeup unless approved by your provider
- Direct sun exposure
- Scrubbing, exfoliating, or picking
- Facial devices and massage
Avoid Until the Skin Has Recovered
- Retinoids
- Exfoliating acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone
- Strong vitamin C products
- Alcohol-based toners
- Fragranced products
- At-home microneedling devices
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher once sunscreen application is permitted.
Contact Us If You Experience
- Increasing pain or redness
- Blistering
- Pus or unusual drainage
- A spreading rash
- Severe swelling
- A cold-sore outbreak
- Symptoms lasting longer than expected
IPL Lumecca Peak
IPL Lumecca Peak Aftercare
IPL uses pulses of light to target pigmentation, redness, and vascular concerns. Treated pigment may temporarily darken before gradually flaking or fading.
What to Expect
- Mild redness and warmth
- Temporary swelling
- Darkening of brown spots
- A coffee-ground or peppered appearance in pigmented areas
- Mild sensitivity or dryness
- Temporary prominence of redness or small vessels
Darkened pigment should shed naturally. Do not scrub or pick it.
For the First 48 Hours
- Apply a cool compress as needed. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Cleanse gently with cool or lukewarm water.
- Use a gentle moisturizer.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Avoid swimming.
- Avoid makeup if the skin is irritated or broken.
For Approximately One Week
Avoid:
- Direct sun exposure
- Tanning beds and self-tanner
- Retinoids and exfoliating acids
- Benzoyl peroxide and other irritating acne products
- Scrubs and cleansing brushes
- Waxing, threading, and depilatory creams
- Picking at darkened pigment
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply regularly.
Contact Us Immediately If You Develop
- Blisters or burns
- Increasing pain
- Severe swelling
- Open sores
- Increasing redness or warmth
- Significant or persistent darkening or lightening
- Signs of infection
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, or small bumps around the hair follicles are common after laser hair removal.
What to Expect
- Mild redness and warmth
- Small raised bumps around treated follicles
- Temporary sensitivity or itching
- Hair shedding over approximately 1–3 weeks
Hair may appear to continue growing before it sheds. Do not tweeze or wax it.
For 24–48 Hours
Avoid:
- Hot showers and baths
- Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs
- Strenuous exercise and excessive sweating
- Swimming
- Tight or abrasive clothing over the treated area
- Perfume, deodorant, or fragranced products if the area is sensitive
- Scrubbing, exfoliating, or scratching
- Sexual activity when friction affects a recently treated intimate area
A cool compress or fragrance-free aloe-based product may be used if approved by your provider.
Between Appointments
- Shaving is permitted once the skin is calm.
- Do not wax, tweeze, thread, sugar, or epilate treated hair.
- Do not intentionally tan.
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanning products.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed treatment areas.
- Inform us about new medications, antibiotics, topical prescriptions, or changes in your health before your next appointment.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Blistering
- Increasing pain
- Open sores or crusting
- Significant swelling
- Persistent discoloration
- Signs of infection
Botox
Botox Aftercare
Small bumps, pinpoint bleeding, tenderness, or bruising may occur at injection sites. These effects are generally temporary.
For the First Four Hours
- Remain upright.
- Do not lie flat unless your provider advises otherwise.
- Do not press, rub, or massage the treated areas.
- Avoid tight hats, headbands, goggles, or equipment that places pressure on injection sites.
For the Rest of the Day
Avoid:
- Strenuous exercise
- Saunas, steam rooms, and excessive heat
- Facial massage
- Facials, microcurrent, radiofrequency, or other facial treatments
- Applying excessive pressure to the injection sites
- Alcohol if you are prone to bruising
You may make normal facial expressions. Do not intentionally overexercise the treated muscles.
Results
Initial changes may become noticeable within several days. Full results are generally evaluated approximately two weeks after treatment.
Do not evaluate symmetry or request a touch-up before the scheduled follow-up period unless your provider instructs otherwise.
Contact Us Promptly If You Develop
- Significant eyelid or eyebrow drooping
- New facial weakness or asymmetry that concerns you
- Severe headache or unusual symptoms
- Signs of infection
Seek immediate medical attention for difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing; generalized muscle weakness; or severe vision problems.
Sculptra
Sculptra Aftercare
Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid treatment that supports gradual collagen production. Swelling immediately after treatment may temporarily create the appearance of an instant result and will decrease as the initial swelling resolves.
The 5-5-5 Massage Rule
Unless your injector gives different instructions:
- Massage the treated area for 5 minutes
- 5 times per day
- For 5 consecutive days
Use clean hands and a moisturizer or facial cream to reduce friction. Massage firmly but comfortably in the manner demonstrated by your injector.
First 24–48 Hours
- Apply a wrapped cold compress intermittently if needed.
- Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Keep injection sites clean.
- Avoid makeup until injection points have closed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Avoid excessive heat, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Avoid alcohol if you are experiencing swelling or bruising.
- Sleep with your head elevated if needed.
For Several Days
Avoid excessive sun and ultraviolet exposure until redness and swelling resolve. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Temporary swelling, tenderness, bruising, itching, redness, or small palpable areas may occur.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Increasing pain, redness, or warmth
- Significant asymmetry or swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Open sores or drainage
- A persistent, painful, visible, or inflamed lump
- Signs of infection
- Any symptom that concerns you or does not improve as expected
Seek emergency medical care for severe pain, sudden skin blanching, dusky discoloration, or any vision change.
Forma RF
Forma RF Aftercare
Forma uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat the skin. Mild redness or warmth may occur and generally resolves quickly.
After Treatment
- Resume normal activities as tolerated.
- Keep the skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.
- Drink adequate water.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Avoid excessive heat if the skin remains warm or sensitive.
- Avoid aggressive exfoliation or irritating products for approximately 24 hours if sensitivity is present.
- Do not scrub or massage an irritated treatment area.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Persistent or increasing pain
- Blistering
- Significant swelling
- Prolonged redness
- Unusual discoloration
Chemical Peel
Chemical Peel Aftercare
Chemical-peel recovery depends on the type, strength, number of layers, and treatment area. Your provider’s individualized instructions take priority.
What to Expect
You may experience:
- Redness and sensitivity
- Tightness and dryness
- Darkening of superficial pigmentation
- Flaking, peeling, or shedding
- Mild itching
- Temporary breakouts or purging
- Increased sun sensitivity
Some peels produce little visible peeling. The absence of peeling does not mean the treatment was ineffective.
Essential Rules
- Do not pick, pull, peel, or scrub shedding skin.
- Do not use exfoliating brushes, washcloths, or scrubs.
- Do not attempt to accelerate peeling.
- Use only the cleanser, moisturizer, and post-peel products approved by your provider.
- Use cool or lukewarm water.
- Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
- Do not apply makeup over broken or actively peeling skin unless approved.
Avoid During Active Peeling
- Retinoids
- Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and other exfoliating acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone unless specifically prescribed
- Strong vitamin C products
- Waxing, threading, and depilatory creams
- Facial treatments and devices
- Strenuous exercise, saunas, and excessive heat if these increase irritation
- Swimming
- Direct sun exposure
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily after your provider permits application.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Severe or increasing pain
- Blisters
- Significant swelling
- Open sores
- Pus, drainage, or spreading redness
- Extensive crusting
- New or worsening discoloration
- Symptoms that appear more severe than expected
EXOPEEL
EXOPEEL / Exosomal Liquid Laser Aftercare
EXOPEEL, also referred to as Exosomal Liquid Laser, is a professional skin-renewal protocol. Recovery varies depending on the products, layers, and intensity used during your treatment.
Follow your provider’s individualized home-care schedule exactly.
What to Expect
Possible temporary effects include:
- Redness and warmth
- Tightness and dryness
- Mild swelling
- Darkening of superficial pigmentation
- Flaking, peeling, or shedding
- Increased sensitivity
- A temporary rough or bronzed texture
Visible peeling varies. Do not attempt to force or accelerate it.
During Recovery
- Cleanse only as directed.
- Use the recommended post-treatment moisturizer or recovery products.
- Do not add new skincare products.
- Do not pick or remove peeling skin.
- Avoid rubbing the face with towels, washcloths, or cleansing devices.
- Use clean pillowcases and towels.
- Avoid makeup while the skin is broken, highly irritated, or actively peeling unless approved.
Avoid Until the Skin Has Healed
- Retinoids
- Exfoliating acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone unless specifically prescribed
- Scrubs and exfoliating tools
- Waxing, threading, and depilatory creams
- Facials and energy-based treatments
- Strenuous exercise and excessive sweating during the initial inflammatory period
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and swimming
- Direct sun exposure
Once sunscreen is permitted, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Severe or increasing discomfort
- Blistering
- Significant swelling
- Open sores or drainage
- Spreading redness
- Signs of infection
- Unexpected or persistent discoloration
PRP/PRF Injections
PRP/PRF Injection Aftercare
PRP and PRF are prepared from your own blood and injected into the treatment area. Temporary swelling, tenderness, bruising, pressure, or small bumps may occur.
These instructions apply to aesthetic facial or scalp injections. Instructions may vary by treatment area.
First 24 Hours
- Keep injection sites clean.
- Do not touch the area unnecessarily.
- Avoid makeup until the injection points have closed.
- Avoid pressing or massaging the area unless specifically instructed.
- Use a wrapped cold compress only if approved by your provider.
- Sleep with your head elevated if facial swelling is present.
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise if bruising or swelling is a concern.
For 24–48 Hours
Avoid:
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and excessive heat
- Strenuous exercise
- Swimming
- Facials and facial massage
- Retinoids, exfoliating acids, and irritating skincare over injection sites
- Hair coloring or harsh scalp products after scalp injections, until approved
Do not take anti-inflammatory medication solely for routine post-treatment soreness unless your medical provider approves it. If aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or another medication has been prescribed for a medical condition, do not stop it without approval from the prescribing clinician.
Acetaminophen may be an option for discomfort when medically appropriate.
Contact Us If You Develop
- Increasing pain
- Significant or worsening swelling
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Pus or unusual drainage
- Fever or chills
- A persistent painful lump
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- Symptoms that do not improve as expected
General Sun Protection
General Sun-Protection Recommendations
After laser, light, microneedling, radiofrequency, peel, and regenerative treatments:
- Avoid intentional tanning.
- Minimize direct sun exposure during recovery.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher once permitted.
- Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours when outdoors and after sweating.
- Continue daily sun protection even after the visible recovery period has ended.
Sun exposure can increase the risk of prolonged redness, burns, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and uneven treatment results.
When to Contact SKINnovative
Please contact our office if you are uncertain whether your recovery is normal. Photographs may help our medical team evaluate the treatment area, but photographs do not replace an in-person medical examination when one is necessary.
SKINnovative Medical Aesthetics
420 S Beverly Dr., Suite 201
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: +1 (310) 269-9337
Email: admin@skinnovativela.com
Office Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
For urgent symptoms outside office hours, contact your treating provider according to the instructions you received. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Recovery varies by patient, treatment area, treatment intensity, and medical history. Always follow the individualized instructions provided by your licensed medical professional.