• Small brown patches—known as carbon crusts—will immediately appear where the skin has been treated and may take around 5-14 days to fall off.  They may appear brown, dark in color, and/or burnt before falling off naturally. 

• Picking, plucking, scraping, rubbing, or pulling off the carbon crusts will hinder the healing process and could make the treatment appear uneven or scar. This may result in additional work or treatment being required.

• Aftercare includes the application of a post-treatment cream or ointment to the treatment area(s) that is approved by your provider, avoidance of direct sun exposure, and proper application and reapplication of sunscreen (SPF 50+). 

• Apply a thin layer of Stratamed at least 2x a day to protect and soothe the skin and promote natural healing.  It may also provide relief from possible itching and help to expedite a scar-free healing process. Stratamed should be in contact with the treated areas 24/7 during this initial phase.

• There may be some mild to moderate swelling to the treated area(s). Expect moderate to excessive swelling around the eyes.

• No cold packs or ice packs. Icing may affect the outcome and inhibit the natural healing benefits of the inflammatory process.

• You may experience a “burning” or “stinging” sensation in the treated area(s) immediately after treatment and up to 24 hours after treatment. This is the normal sensation of heat exiting the skin.

• After treating areas of the face, sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling.

• It is unlikely you will ever get an infection from a Plexr treatment as the wound we cause is not open. However, the first 12 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, meaning going to the gym, public places where you can pick up germs by touching things then touching your skin.

• No high intensity exercise and excessive sweating for at least 3-5 days.

• Use of makeup to the treated area(s) during the first  5-7 days following your treatment is highly discouraged because the application or removal of makeup could prematurely disrupt the scabs before they are ready to fall off.

• Rinse and clean gently with a gentle cleanser and tepid (not hot) water twice a day – Only use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser (ask your provider for a recommendation if you are not sure).

• Blot dry with a clean, soft towel.

• Apply Stratamed with clean fingers or a clean applicator (2x/day).

• A non-comedogenic concealer or tinted SPF/sunscreen like Oxygenetix or skinbetter science sunbetter Tone Smart compact / sunscreen lotion may be applied over the Stratamed. 

• No additional cosmetics should be used in the initial phases of healing. 

• A high SPF sunscreen SPF 50+ must be applied to the treatment area(s) daily and should be reapplied throughout each day.

• Do not apply any creams, antibiotic creams, or cortisone creams over the treated areas while there are scabs in place. After the scabs are gone, ask for guidance on what creams are acceptable.

• After “carbon crusts,” “scabs,” or “dots” have fallen off, new skin will have formed and been exposed. To promote healing and avoid damage to the new skin, continue to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and use SPF/sunscreen daily with regular reapplication. Continue to wear coverage and SPF, especially until skin has returned to its baseline or normal color. Use of SPF 50 or greater sunscreen is ideal to prevent hyperpigmentation and/or discoloration.

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In the Following Days/Weeks After Your Treatment:

• It is normal for the area that has been treated to feel tight and dry. Occasional weeping will settle, tiny crusts will quickly form on the treated area. These may be visible for up to about a week. The crusts/scabs will become darker before the fall off.

• Do NOT pick crusts off as this will delay the healing process and could cause scarring.

• If washing your hair after treating areas on the face, we advise that you do NOT stand with your face under a hot shower or direct water from shower head for the first 7 days. This could increase swelling. Try to avoid shower gels or hair products running on to your face as this could cause irritation. If water does get on the area treated, blot very gently with a clean cloth or towel.

• Absolutely do NOT use any lotions or creams that are not provided for the next 2 weeks. We recommend the only products you use during the 2 weeks post treatment healing stage are the products provided or recommended for you.

• ONLY use the products you are sent home with for the next 2 weeks. The area must be kept free of oil to help the crusts form and then fall off the skin naturally. Do NOT rub or abrade the area(s) or use exfoliating products. This could result in scarring and/or pigmentation.

• Stay away from heat & steam for the next 2 weeks while the skin may be pink and very sensitive.

• 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 72 hours after your treatment.

• Swelling may last up to 3 weeks, and may be more severe in certain delicate areas such as the eyelids/under eyes.  In fair-skinned and/or individuals with sensitive skin, redness may persist longer.  In either case, ask your provider how to accelerate the restoration of normal color, which will return to baseline after about 4 months if proper aftercare is followed. 

• When the crusts have fallen off then your skin may be a little pink as it is fresh, new and rejuvenated baby skin. This pinkness will fade over time in as little as 2 weeks up to a few months. In rare cases it may take up to 6 months.

• Once the crusts/scabs have all fallen off, use the sterile saline wipes gently over the area treated to clean the area. Continue using the saline wipes for 2 days. Continue to cleanse the areas NOT treated with the face wash provided for the next 2 days or until the skin looks as though it’s healing.

• Once the scabs come off, you absolutely MUST now begin to apply SPF 50 while your skin is in the healing stages (pink in color) and you should continue to do so for at least the next 12 weeks (and ideally longer). The area(s) treated have produced brand new skin and may burn and/or pigment without adequate protection from the sun. Even while indoors - if your home has sunlight coming in the windows and you can not block the light, apply SPF 50.

• SPF 50 should be worn before going outside, even with 5 minutes of sun exposure, as well as overcast days. Indoor lighting can cause risk of pigmentation on new healing skin.

• You absolutely must NOT use saunas or sunbeds during your 12 week healing period and ideally for longer. Avoid the midday sun.

• All other facial treatments on the same area should be avoided while your skin is healing.

• Use of topical Retin A products should be avoided for 4 weeks.

• Other Important Aftercare Recommendations:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

• Taking Vitamin C supplements over the course of your healing process can give your immune system a big boost and may expedite healing.

• Any additional treatments that may be required must only be performed once the skin is completely healed and has returned to its normal color.

• It can take 8 to 12 weeks for the full effects of your treatment to be seen. You may not actually require further treatment once the effects of your original treatment are more determinable. Please note that if you do require a longer period of time between treatments, the delay will not alter the outcome/results.

• Multiple treatment sessions may be required for desired results, and your practitioner will inform you of this. Treatments will be scheduled a minimum of 6-8 weeks apart. 

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• Warning: If excessive swelling or signs of infection occur, please contact the office immediately. (Moderate swelling immediately post treatment is normal). Signs of infection include: 

• Drainage that looks like pus

• Increased warmth and/or redness around the treatment area 

• Significant tenderness or pain around the treatment area 

• Fever - Temperature of 100.5F or greater