FOTONA 4D® & FOTONA LASER TREATMENTS PRE AND POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
(Advanced Laser Systems by Fotona)
Fotona offers multiple laser platforms utilizing Er:YAG (2940 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm) wavelengths. Treatments may be ablative, non-ablative, fractional, intraoral, vascular, tightening, or combination therapies.
This guide includes pre- and post-treatment instructions for:
- Fotona 4D®
- SmoothLiftin™ (intraoral tightening)
- TightSculpting®
- Nd:YAG skin tightening
- Vascular treatments
- Fractional resurfacing
- SP Dynamis® platform procedures
FOTONA 4D®
Fotona 4D® is a non-surgical laser facelift combining four treatment modes:
- SmoothLiftin™ (intraoral tightening)
- FRAC3® (fractional rejuvenation)
- PIANO® (deep dermal heating)
- SupErficial™ (light ablative polish)
It addresses:
- Laxity
- Volume loss appearance
- Texture
- Fine lines
- Perioral aging
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS (All Fotona Treatments)
5 – 7 Days Before Treatment
Discontinue (if medically appropriate and approved by your provider):
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.)
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Fish oil
- Flaxseed oil
This helps reduce bruising and inflammation.
Medication Disclosure (Very Important)
Inform your provider about all medications and supplements, especially:
- Antibiotics
- Photosensitizing medications
- Blood thinners
- Biological infusions/injections
- Steroids
- Hormone therapy
If you have a history of cold sores, begin antiviral medication as prescribed.
Pain & Swelling Prevention Protocol
For comfort:
- Take 2 tablets of Extra Strength Tylenol (1000 mg total) 1 hour prior to treatment.
For swelling prevention:
- Take 1 tablet of non-drowsy antihistamine 2 – 3 hours prior to treatment.
1 – 2 Weeks Before Treatment
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids unless directed.
- Avoid waxing or chemical peels in treatment area.
Eye Area or Perioral Treatments
If treating eyelids or full face:
- Arrange transportation if sensitive to swelling or light sensitivity.
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotion, sunscreen).
- Stay well hydrated.
- Eat normally.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions vary depending on the specific Fotona treatment performed.
Fotona 4D® (Mild to Moderate Downtime)
What to Expect
- Mild redness (1 – 3 days)
- Mild swelling (1 – 3 days)
- Warm sensation
- Light flaking if SupErficial™ step included
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 – 48 hours.
Aftercare
- Cleanse gently twice daily.
- Use gentle moisturizer.
- Avoid harsh products for 5 – 7 days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 – 48 hours.
- Avoid heat exposure (sauna, steam, hot yoga) for 48 hours.
Makeup may usually be applied within 24 – 48 hours if skin is intact.
Fotona TightSculpting® / Nd:YAG Skin Tightening
What to Expect
- Mild redness
- Mild swelling
- Warmth sensation
No peeling typically occurs.
Aftercare
- Hydrate well.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid excessive heat exposure for 48 hours.
- Resume skincare the next day unless instructed otherwise.
Fotona Vascular Treatments (Nd:YAG)
What to Expect
- Temporary redness
- Mild swelling
- Possible vessel darkening before fading
Aftercare
- Avoid heat and strenuous activity for 48 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Do not apply ice directly on treated vessels unless instructed.
- Avoid compression or friction over treated area.
Fotona Fractional / SupErficial™ / Ablative Settings
What to Expect
- Redness: 3 – 7 days
- Swelling: 1 – 4 days
- Bronzing or micro-crusting
- Peeling Days 3 – 7
More aggressive treatments may require up to 2 – 3 weeks for full normalization.
Aftercare for Ablative / Fractional
- Cleanse gently twice daily.
- Apply recommended moisturizer.
- Do not pick, rub, or exfoliate.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 – 72 hours.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas.
- Shower with lukewarm water only.
Makeup may be applied once:
- Skin is fully re-epithelialized
- No signs of infection (Usually Day 5 – 7)
SUN & PIGMENT PROTECTION (ALL FOTONA TREATMENTS)
Sun protection is critical for 2 months.
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily.
- Use tinted sunscreen if prone to melasma or diffuse pigmentation.
- Especially important for boating, beach, or pool exposure.
Do NOT use self-tanners on treated areas.
Self-tanners may cause pigment irregularities or trigger hyperpigmentation.
FOLLOW-UP
We recommend a follow-up appointment 1 – 2 weeks after treatment to:
- Evaluate healing
- Assess results
- Adjust skincare
- Plan additional sessions
Fotona treatments are often performed in a series depending on goals.
WARNING SIGNS – CONTACT OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF:
We recommend a follow-up appointment 1 – 2 weeks after treatment to:
- Excessive swelling
- Drainage resembling pus
- Increasing warmth
- Fever of 101.5°F or higher
- Severe or worsening pain
- Spreading redness
Early intervention prevents complications.
Proper preparation and aftercare are essential for optimal collagen stimulation, skin tightening, and resurfacing results.
