FOTONA FRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENTS PRE AND POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
(Fractional Er:YAG Technology by Fotona)

Physicians have used lasers for many years for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

Fotona Fractional Laser utilizes Er:YAG (2940 nm) wavelength, which has a high affinity for water in the skin. This allows for:

• Precise micro-ablative resurfacing
• Controlled thermal stimulation
• Stimulation of neocollagenesis
• Improvement in tone, texture, fine lines, scars, and pigmentation

Depending on settings, Fotona fractional treatments may be:

• Ablative fractional (vaporizing micro-columns of tissue)
• Non-ablative fractional (heating dermis without vaporization)
• Or a combination approach

Treatment aggressiveness is customized based on:

• Skin condition
• Indication (scars, wrinkles, texture, laxity)
• Individual healing ability

Because of this, patient response can vary.

Immediately after treatment, the desired response includes:

• Erythema (redness)
• Mild to moderate edema (swelling)
• Warm sensation similar to sunburn
• Possible pinpoint bleeding (with deeper ablative settings)

The degree of redness and healing time increases with:

• Treatment depth
• Density/coverage
• Energy settings

Mild Fractional Treatment

• Redness: 1 – 3 days
• Swelling: 1 – 2 days
• Light peeling: Days 2 – 4

Moderate to Aggressive Fractional Treatment

• Redness: 3 – 7 days
• Swelling: 2 – 4 days
• Bronzing/crusting: 2 – 5 days
• Peeling: Days 3 – 7

Collagen remodeling continues for several months.

Downtime Expectations

Most patients experience:

• 3 – 7 days of social downtime

However, depending on aggressiveness:

• Redness may persist up to 2 weeks
• Full normalization may take up to 3 – 4 weeks

Plan important social events accordingly and allow up to one month for complete recovery after deeper resurfacing.

Makeup may be applied once:

• Skin is fully re-epithelialized
• There are no signs of infection (Usually Day 5 – 7 depending on intensity)

Treatments are often performed in a series spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart.

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 reduces:

• Bruising
• Petechiae
• Excess inflammation

Medication Disclosure (Very Important)

Inform your provider about all medications and supplements, especially:

• Antibiotics
• Photosensitizing medications
• Prescription blood thinners
• Biological infusions or injections
• Steroids
• Hormone therapy

If you have a history of cold sores, begin antiviral medication as prescribed.

Pain & Swelling Prevention Protocol

For pain control:

• Take 2 tablets of Extra Strength Tylenol (1000 mg total) 1 hour prior to treatment.

For swelling prevention:

• Take 1 tablet of a non-drowsy antihistamine 2 – 3 hours prior to treatment.

Eye Area Treatments

If treating upper or lower eyelids:

• Bring a driver with you, or
• Arrange transportation home.

Temporary swelling and light sensitivity may impair driving.

1 – 2 Weeks Before Treatment

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning.
• Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating acids, and aggressive resurfacing products unless directed.
• Avoid waxing or chemical peels in treatment area.

Day of Treatment

• Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, sunscreen).
• Eat normally and stay hydrated.

First 24 – 48 Hours

• Skin will feel warm and tight.
• Use cold compresses as needed.
• Sleep with head elevated the first night.
• Avoid NSAIDs unless directed.

Cleansing

Beginning the evening of treatment or next morning:

• Cleanse twice daily with lukewarm water and gentle cleanser.
• Use hands only.
• Pat dry gently.
• Do not scrub.

Moisturizing

• Apply recommended moisturizer regularly.
• Keep skin hydrated.
• Avoid occlusive ointments unless instructed.

Peeling / Micro-Crusting

With ablative settings, you may notice:

• Tiny crusts
• Bronzing
• Flaking

DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR EXFOLIATE.

Premature removal may cause:

• Scarring
• Infection
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Allow natural shedding.

Activity Restrictions

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 – 72 hours.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
• Avoid swimming pools for several days.
• Shower with lukewarm water.

Sun protection is critical for 2 months post-treatment.

• Avoid direct sun exposure.
• Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily once healed.
• If prone to melasma or diffuse pigmentation:
  
  • Use tinted sunscreen at all times.
  • Especially during boating, beach, or pool exposure.

Do NOT use self-tanners on treated areas.

Self-tanners may cause pigment irregularities.

We strongly recommend a follow-up appointment 1 – 2 weeks after treatment to:

• Assess healing
• Monitor pigmentation
• Adjust skincare
• Plan next session