Aura Laser Facial Aftercare

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for Aura Laser Facial. Please take the time to carefully read your post-treatment instructions below.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Use only gentle cleansers, hyaluronic acid/hydrating or healing serums, gentle moisturisers, and SPF 30+ daily for 7 days. The use of the YL Aftercare kit is highly encouraged for optimal healing.
• Avoid any heat or sweat inducing activities, including vigorous exercise for 24-48hrs.  
• Avoid applying makeup over the treated areas for 24-48 hours, mineral makeups are preferred.
• Avoid swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas and ocean water for 72 hours. 
• Do not use fake tan or spray tan for 7 days. 
• Do not use any AHA or BHA, exfoliants or acidic based products for 7 days (eg Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic etc) – gentle exfoliation may be used after this time.
• Do not use Vitamin A/Retinol products for 7 days (eg Retin A, Stieva A, Zorac etc)
• Strictly avoid sun exposure for 14 days. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
• Do not shave the area until sensitivity has subsided. 
• Do not pick, pull or scratch the treated skin. This can lead to scarring, infection and pigment changes.
• Avoid smoking/vaping for a minimum of 14 days. Smokers generally experience poorer healing and suboptimal results so cessation is recommended.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

The listed below are all normal side effects and should self-resolve within a few days.

• Swelling (mild to severe) 
• Redness 
• Itching 
• Rash 
• Discomfort 
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation (PIH)
• Purging / Breakouts 

More severe complications may include:

• Itching or a rash that intensifies and is not resolved with antihistamines. 
• Infection / HSV (cold sore) outbreak. Including; fevers, development of pus/oozing, worsening raised rashes.  
• Blistering or broken skin. Please contact the clinic immediately. Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight. 
• Possible allergic reaction

If you experience any of the above severe complications please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross).

For further information on how to manage these side effects, please see ‘Management’. 

MANAGEMENT

Cold Sores

Cold Sore (HSV) outbreak in individuals who are susceptible is possible even for those who have not had an outbreak in a long time. 

Cold Sore Relief

• It is recommended these individuals take prophylactic antiviral medication available over the counter from their local pharmacy prior to and post-treatment.

Swelling

Swelling of the skin is a common and expected side effect. This is usually more prominent on day 2-3 post-treatment. By days 4-5, swelling will persist and can begin to resolve around days 6-8 (depending on severity). 

Swelling is normal and can vary between individuals, especially those prone to swelling. It is often worse around the eyes.

Swelling relief

• Apply a cool compress / keep the area cool for the first 24 hours. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• Try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated, to prevent pressure build-up on the face. 
• Avoid physical exertion and extreme heat. 

Redness 

The skin will appear red and have a sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to a few days after treatment. The severity of redness will vary from person to person. In stronger treatments,  transient redness can last several weeks. 

Redness relief

• Applying a cool compress / keep the area cool for the first 24 hours. 
• Avoid physical exertion for 48hrs. 
• Makeup can be applied after a minimum 24hrs, or until sensitivity has subsided. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• For prolonged redness – please follow your practitioners specific aftercare instructions. 

Itching 

Itching often occurs as the old skin is shed and the new skin is being formed. Please avoid scratching or picking as this can lead to infection and scarring. 

If any of the above symptoms intensify, your practitioner should be notified. 

Itching relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)

Rash

An allergic reaction is uncommon from treatment. Some individuals may have a hive-like appearance in the treated area. Some individuals have localised reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.

If any of the above symptoms intensify, your practitioner should be notified. 

Rash relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)

Discomfort 

Post-treatment discomfort is typically mild, however, if the area is very uncomfortable you may follow the below recommendations.  

It is normal to experience an increase in discomfort when applying products to the area, during hot showers, exercise or any heat-inducing activity. 

Discomfort relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an oral pain reliever (e.g.  i.e. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) 

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation (PIH)

PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (browning) and hypopigmentation (lightening) have been noted with laser procedures. These conditions usually resolve within 2-6 months. Permanent colour change is a rare risk. 

PIH risk reduction 

• Vigilant care must be taken to avoid sun exposure (tanning beds included) before and after the treatment to reduce the risk of colour change. 
• SPF 50+ Daily. 
• Do not pick or scratch the skin. 
• For some patients, it will be mandatory to undergo a specific pre and post-treatment prescriptive routine to reduce risk of PIH. Please follow this diligently. 

Purging / Breakouts 

Breakouts are common in susceptible individuals, due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands. 

Purging relief

• Ensure you are adequately cleaning your face morning and evening.
• Do not pick or scratch at any breakouts. 

The HEALITE II LED treatment in the clinic is a good option for those cases where purging is severe and not manageable with home remedies. 

FAQs

How long until I see results?

The results and longevity of the treatment depends on the condition of the skin prior to treatment. When used in relatively healthy skin for fine lines, wrinkles and mild to moderate sun damage results will be evident after only one treatment. 

Once the results are evident the skin will appear smoother and more refined with a decrease in sun damage, less fine lines and wrinkles and a clearer complexion. 

When should I get another treatment? 

We recommend an initial course of 3 treatments every 4 weeks for optimal results

Do I need a follow-up?

No follow-up is needed following the Aura Laser Facial however please be aware that this is a Facial and multiple treatments and eventually a full Halo laser will be needed for optimal results. 

Please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross)  if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.