what to expect

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before your treatment:.

• Prior to treatment please avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks depending on your Fitzpatrick skin type. You’ll be given the exact time frame in your test patch consultation
• Please ensure fake tan has not been applied for 2 weeks.  
• Avoid the use of topical creams, deodorants and perfumes of the area treated on the day of treatment. (We just want the skin as clean and clear as possible!)
• Avoid using exfoliants or vitamin A for 48 hours before your treatment
• Inform us if anything has changed in your medications or health since we saw you for a patch test

afterwards:

After your BBL/ Laser treatment the skin can feel quite warm, puffy and red.
This is all totally normal and an expected response after this treatment.  Often a few days after treatment you’ll see a little bit of what we call ‘micro-crusting’ (more prevalent with BBL than with Aerolase) which is darkening of the pigmentation we’ve targeted. Please remember, if you’ve previously had laser or IPL the BBL and Aerolase  micro crusting is not as noticeable. 

possible temporary responses: 

It is possible that you may experience some of the following temporary responses as a result of this treatment, which are not a reaction but a response to stimulation of the skin:

• Redness and swelling - try applying a cool pack if you feel a bit of discomfort, but don’t worry it’s temporary and will go down!
• Flaking / Micro-crusting - pigment comes up to the surface and will eventually flake off. Make sure not to pick or scratch as this will affect the healing process and may lead to permanent scarring.
• In rare cases bruising can also occur. This should subside also, but as always get in touch via email if you have any concerns. 
• Histamine response - hive reactions (urticaria). Some of us have naturally high levels of histamine and this is just essentially how our body naturally responds to heat. Apply a cool compress, or visit your pharmacist to obtain an over the counter anti-histamine or hydrocortisone cream to help the initial response.
• Hyperpigmentation. This is most commonly a temporary response and should settle in 2-3 days 

These temporary responses may be relieved by applying BetaGel, TR Pro or a recommended post treatment cream as instructed by your HUD Skin Therapist. If you're worried please don't hesitate to get in touch so we can assess.

what to avoid after

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The first 72 hours:

• If you do experience swelling you can apply a cool compress at home to minimise discomfort. 
• Please refrain from using any active products on the treated area such as  (vitamin a (Revitosin) , AHA and BHA exfoliants and spot treatments (like acu therm ect)  for at least 5 days. The skin will be sensitised so it’s best to keep your routine post treatment nice and gentle!
• Keep up the water intake and EFA’s - this is important as we want to keep lots of water in the skin to get that pigment moving up to the surface, and strengthening the cells who distribute the pigment in our skin
• Gently cleanse the area treated with a mild DMK cleanser. You should aim to pat your skin dry and not rub during the first 72 hours post treatment.
• Avoid hot baths and hot showers for 72 hours.
• Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) 
• Don’t apply non mineral makeup to the treated area or perfumed products, bleaching creams or fake tans for at least 72 hours post treatment. .
• Avoid activities that cause excessive perspiration for 72 hours after treatment such as: high intensity exercise, spas, saunas etc.

For the next 2 weeks:

• Stay out of direct sunlight for up to 2 weeks after treatment as the skin will be sensitive and needs time to heal. Ensure you are wearing our recommended pigment inhibitor and a broad spectrum, stable 50+ SPF. We recommend the Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment control for best results.
• Exfoliate lightly 7 days following your treatment, using Home Enzyme Mask, Micro Peel or a gentle exfoliation  as recommended by your therapist. This aids the process of lifting any loosened pigment off the surface.

what to remember

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As with any treatment, there is always a very small possibility that you could have an adverse reaction that the clinician could not predict. If you are experiencing any symptoms you’re worried about please contact us.