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photodynamic therapy
before & after treatment instructions
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| Before Treatment |
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If possible, do not wear makeup to your treatment
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Avoid any irritants to your skin, including products with retinoids, retinol, glycolic and salicylic acid, and vitamin C for one week prior to appointment.
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Do not wax or use a depilatory on treatment area for one week prior to treatment.
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Bring something to cover the treated areas when leaving the office (ie., large brim hat, gloves, towel). This is very important.
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| After Treatment |
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Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first 2 to 3 days following treatment
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Keep the treated area covered and protected from direct sunlight and sources of bright indoor light for 48 hours following the treatment. Stay indoors, apply a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen (UVA/UVB) to all exposed areas and wear a hat for two weeks following your treatment.
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Do not participate in artificial tanning, or sun exposure without sun protection, in the 4 weeks following the treatment.
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The skin may become very red, dry, crusted and flaky – you may moisturize with Aquaphor or hydrocortisone 1% as needed.
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Cold packs may be applied post-treatment to ease any temporary discomfort.
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If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply antibiotic ointment and contact us.
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Treated lentigines usually darken after treatment, and crusting begins to form within a few days. This crusting usually resolves in 1-3 weeks and should be allowed to naturally flake off for best results.
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Avoid hot tubs and spas for at least 48 hours after treatment.
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Make-up may be applied after the healing process is complete, and as long as the skin is not broken. If treated area is red after crusting has subsided, apply green-based cover-up to minimize redness.
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| Daily Instructions: |
| Day 1: |
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Begin applying icepacks to the area for any discomfort. Swelling, if it occurs, will be most evident around the eyes.
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Remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight.
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Elevate your head on two pillows or the treated area, to decrease swelling.
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You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary.
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Apply hydrocortisone 1%, if areas are irritated.
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| Day 2: |
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Continue to use ice packs as needed. Twenty minutes per hour, maximum. You may take a shower or pain medicine. Any discomfort usually resolves by day 3.
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Avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on Day 2. Sensitivity to sunlight may last up to 40 hours after treatment.
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Soak any areas with a solution of 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of cold water for every 4 to 6 hours. Ice may be applied over the vinegar soaks. The area should be patted dry and hydrocortisone 1% ointment reapplied following the vinegar soaks.
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| Day 3-7: |
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You may use make up once any crusting has healed. The area may be red for 4-6 weeks. If make-up is important, please consult with Mukha staff for recommendations.
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The skin will feel dry and tightened. Use a moisturizer.
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Avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
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| ACNE Patients only: |
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You may use make up once any crusting has healed. The area may be red for 4-6 weeks. If make-up is important, please consult with Mukha staff for recommendations.
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The skin will feel dry and tightened. Use a moisturizer.
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Avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
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