Collagen Therapy Aftercare

DAY OF TREATMENT

About 1-3 hours after your treatment, the skin will begin to feel like a bad sunburn, and may swell. This is normal, expected and the swelling helps to stimulate fibroblast formation. 

Fibroblasts are responsible for the collagen production in your skin and it can only be produced when swelling takes place. Therefore keep in mind that Getting your swell ON is good!  

Some pain is normal, and following the below will help. This is simply the heat exiting the skin. Weeping from the treated area is normal as well as some discomfort. 

 If your doctor normally prescribes  you sedatives or sleeping medication for your use,  you may continue to  use them. 

After your Procedure:

• Do not touch or apply anything to the skin after treatment. 
• Stay out of the sun, indoors is best. 
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN.  Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. 
• DO NOT APPLY ICE OR COLD COMPRESS YET. 

 Before Bed:

• Wash your face, use only cool water, and_____Clear Choice Gentle/BCN Cleanse___________cleanser. Apply with the soft pads of your fingers only, do not pick or scrub, do not use a cloth. Rinse well, pat dry.
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic. Allow to air dry
• Apply ________Clear Choice Protect__/ BCN Heal____________cream, gently by tapping on.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage.
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN.  Benadryl will help with sleep. 
• Try to lay propped up with pillows, on your back. Do not lay completely horizontal. Side or stomach-sleeping will result in more swelling.

FOR THE  FIRST AND SECOND DAY: 

Your clinician will check in with you within 48 hrs to see how you are feeling. Please refer to this sheet for detailed information and instructions during your healing period. 

If  you have an URGENT need, you may reach out to us. 

The swelling will likely be worse in the mornings and lessen towards the evening. You may find it difficult to open your eyes in the morning following the treatment however; it will subside throughout the day.  The swelling typically peaks by day 2.  Swelling can also spread to the under eye area DON’T PANIC this is perfectly normal. The upper and lower eye are all connected therefore the fluids from the upper eye will drain to the lower eye area. This too shall pass. Discomfort is still present and to be expected on the second day.

It is highly unlikely you will ever get an infection. However, the first 12-24 hours post-treatment is of vital importance in protecting you from any kind of potential infection so please avoid any activities where you could expose yourself to contaminants. Keep in mind that this procedure IS a controlled burn, and as such, it must complete a full-cycle of a healing process and stages - the results are not instantaneous. 

SPF50 Mineral  SUNSCREEN -  must be worn, even indoors, 24/7 for 3 months. APPLY OFTEN AS PER INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SPF is paramount! Apply throughout the day. It will help prevent any accidental sun exposure which leads to hyperpigmentation or dark spots during healing. Think vampire.  if it stings, use zinc oxide cream from the pharmacy (not fragranced diaper cream).  

Morning: 

• Wash your face, use only cool water, and________Clear Choice Gentle/BCN Cleanse___________________cleanser. Apply with the soft pads of your fingers only, do not pick or scrub, do not use a cloth. Rinse well, pat dry.
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic. Allow to air dry
• Apply _________Clear Choice Protect_/BCN Heal_____________________cream, gently by tapping on.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage.
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN. 
• You may apply a refrigerated Cool Compress,  (a cold wet washcloth sealed  inside a ziploc from the refrigerator)  to  the face periodically. DO NOT USE ICE.

During the Day: 

• Do not touch or apply anything to the skin. 
• Stay out of the sun, indoors is best. Sunscreen 24/7
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN.
• You may apply a refrigerated Cool Compress,  (a cold wet washcloth sealed  inside a ziploc from the refrigerator)  to  the face periodically. DO NOT USE ICE.

Before Bed:

• Wash your face, use only cool water, and _________Clear Choice Gentle/BCN Cleanse_______________cleanser. Apply with the soft pads of your fingers only, do not pick or scrub, do not use a cloth. Rinse well, pat dry.
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic. Do not rinse, allow to air dry
• Apply ______________Clear Choice Protect_/ BCN Heal___________________cream, gently by tapping on.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage.
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN. 
• Try to lay propped up with pillows, on your back. Do not lay completely horizontal. Side or stomach-sleeping will result in more swelling.

DAY 3-10 OR WHEN DOTS ARE DRY

You will notice an improvement in the swelling and the “dots”. Your level of discomfort will have subsided dramatically the 3rd day. For those who experienced the under eye swelling, this may still be present. Day 4: Some mild residual swelling may still be present on the upper eyelids. No more pain or discomfort should be felt. Dots should be dry and you should feel tightening of skin.  Day 5: Swelling should be complete and scabs may still be present. Keep up with recommended aftercare. 

Dots may last up to 10 days, these are formed at the time of the treatment and will be visible. For some patients, that may be the reason they feel the need to take more time off from their social or lifestyle activities. This is what we refer to as “Social Down Time.” There is no medical reason you can’t return to work but you may feel self conscious. The scabs usually fall off anywhere from days 2-10 days, but can be longer. 

We advise you to NOT stand with your face under a hot shower or direct water from shower head for 3 to 5 days. This could increase swelling. Try to avoid shower gels or hair products running onto your face as this could cause irritation. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water if products do come into contact with the area(s) treated and gently pat dry.

Morning: 

• Wash your face, use only cool water, and_____Clear Choice Gentle/BCN Cleanse__________cleanser. Apply with the soft pads of your fingers only, do not pick or scrub, do not use a cloth. Rinse well, pat dry.
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic. Do not rinse,air dry
• Apply ____________Clear Choice Protect/BCN Heal___________________cream, gently by tapping on.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage.
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. 
• You can resume Ibuprofen/Aleeve at this time, if you take it for other purposes. 
• If you are still swelling, you can use ice in a ziploc for 5 minutes each morning. 

During the Day: 

• You can begin to apply the Medicated Tinted Moisturiser, if desired (Amintamed or other medical grade only - purchase from  your clinician) to mask the dots and reduce redness.. Do NOT apply any conventional makeup until the dots have shed on their own. 
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic up to  2xday if desired. 
• Apply ___________Clear Choice Protect/BCN Heal_______________cream, gently by tapping on up to 2x/day.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage
• You may choose to take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Extra Strength Tylenol. Benadryl will help with swelling and discomfort. 
• You can resume Ibuprofen/Aleeve at this time, if you take it for other purposes. 
• If you are still swelling, you can use ice in a ziploc for 5 minutes up to 2x/day 

Before Bed:

• Use only cool water, and_______Clear Choice Gentle/BCN Cleanse________cleanser. Apply with the soft pads of your fingers only, do not pick or scrub, do not use a cloth. Rinse well, pat dry.
• Lightly apply the  Silver Tonic. Do not rinse, air dry
• Apply ________ ______Clear Choice Protect/BCN Heal________________cream, gently by tapping on.  Ensure a thin layer of coverage.
• Until swelling has subsided, try to lay propped up with pillows, on your back. Do not lay completely horizontal. Side or stomach-sleeping will result in more swelling.

ONCE THE DOTS HAVE SHED

• New skin below may stay somewhat pink and textured for a few weeks, and occasionally  up to a few months after healing. If there is prolonged redness, you may choose to apply Spaceuticals ARNICA/ARNI+K until it resolves, (or a 1% hydrocortisone cream 3x/day for up to 3 days). Lingering texture may be treated by a chemical peel at approx 2+ months post. 
• End results depend on many factors, including the aggressiveness of the treatment, adherence to post treatment care regimen, proper nutrition and good general health. The most important being the degree of cumulative sun and environmental damage to your skin and tissues.
• Treatments are designed to maximize the results of the treatment within safe and predictable parameters. The number of treatments needed cannot always be accurately predicted, even under the best of circumstances. Appropriate intervals between treatments are needed to allow the healing process to complete the cycle. The next treatment is then decided upon, given the results of the previous one.
• Good general health is the key to excellent and predictable outcomes by supporting your cells to work well and promote healing.
• Any successful skin rejuvenation treatment is cumulative in the overall improvement of skin health, and therefore the skin’s appearance.

• Do not go to the gym the first three days, and avoid any steam or heaving sweating for 10 days. 
• If your perioral region was treated, and you must wear a face mask, change it every 4 hours. 
• Please minimize sun exposure with shading, hats, avoiding midday sun, and masks for perioral 
• Any additional treatments that may be required must only be performed once the skin is completely healed and has returned back to its normal colour. This usually takes about 12 weeks.
• Your treatment is the gift that keeps giving and, on top of the immediate rejuvenation, lifting and tightening effects you will likely experience, it can actually take 8 to 12 weeks for the full effects of your original treatment to be seen. If you have very loose skin or deep texture, a second application or a series may be recommended.
• Please note that if you do require a longer period of time between treatments then the delay will not alter the outcome/results.
• Evaluation of treatment results should not be considered before 12 weeks. At which time, a future treatment plan can be discussed with you.
• Based on individual health, some  people may have delayed healing/pinkness/texture for several months. A peel may also be suggested in these cases. 
• It is normal for the area that has been treated to feel tight and dry.
• Do NOT pick crusts off as this will delay the healing process and could cause scarring. Do NOT be tempted to rub or brush the area to aid the removal of the crusts. Pat dry with a clean tissue.
• Shaving in the area treated should be avoided until it is fully healed.
• If you have had treatment around your eyes, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for 1 week after your treatment because pulling on your skin can disrupt crusts.
• Once the crusts have all fallen off you may apply your normal foundation/ make-up but avoid using skincare products containing Glycolic or any other active exfoliating ingredients for approx 4 weeks as this will cause irritation.
• You absolutely must NOT use saunas or sunbeds during the 10 -12-week healing period and ideally for longer. Avoid the midday sun. 
• Your tech may recommend a product to help with healing, such as  a Kit for Hyperpigmentation prevention.
• Continue to use a SPF50 - which also inhibits pigmentation formation.
• All other facial treatments on the same area should be avoided whilst your skin is healing.
• Use of topical Retin A, Hydroquinone and Vitamin C products should be avoided for 4 weeks (OTC products) to 6 weeks (prescription strength).If you have questions about aftercare, please contact your clinician during your healing period. MAY USE ENZYME MASK FOR LINGERING SKIN AT 7 DAYS POST. 
• Smoking is contraindicated. You should quit or  refrain from smoking for at least several weeks prior/post. Smoking increases risks of poor healing and unsatisfactory outcomes

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BOOK A HEALING ASSESSMENT CHECK-UP FOR 7-10 DAYS AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE. This quick visit will allow you to discuss your healing progress, ask questions, and receive recommendations for further treatment or maintenance. We cannot assess,  provide specific feedback, advice nor recommendations without an in-person check. These are $20/15 mins.

Side effects and risks  from dermal treatments  are low, and usually temporary  but may  include and not limited to : delayed healing or prolonged redness, sensitivity, swelling, edema, erythema, weeping, scabbing, secondary infection, sensitivity to sunlight, dry skin, pigmentary changes, texture changes. Aftercare is key.