Aftercare for Clear Plus

Thank you for trusting Skin Medical with your Clear Plus treatment. We hope your experience was smooth and comfortable. To help you achieve the best possible results and ensure a good recovery, please review the following aftercare guidelines carefully.

A treatment with Clear Plus may commonly result in the following side effects:

• Mild to moderate redness and swelling of the treated area with pigmented areas darkening, this could persist for several days. 
• Tenderness, warmth or a burning sensation, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn, directly after the treatment. 

These side effects are temporary and could persist for several days. The following day, your skin may feel tender to the touch and should return to normal quickly. Some mild dryness or rough texture is normal as your skin begins to heal and rejuvenate. You may also notice some skin flaking and tiny micro-dots on the skin—these are part of the natural healing process and will fade as your skin regenerates. If you experience any prolonged discomfort or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

We Recommend the Following Post Care to Enhance Your Recovery: 

• Immediately post treatment to reduce the discomfort and remove the heat, saline soaks* are recommended.  

*Saline soak: soak gauze in saline or sterile water and apply to the area that was treated. Keep the gauze on the skin which will allow the skin to cool down for 5-10 minutes. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep the skin hydrated. 

• Day 1 post treatment cleanse with a gentle cleanser, followed by an application of a light layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor Vaseline or Aquaphor are recommended for heat, tightness or itching (edema, erythema). Repeat as often as needed for comfort, removing the previous application of lotion with a cool moist clean cloth prior to re-applying. You should sleep in a modified upright position along with a clean pillowcase and linens the first night. 

*Vinegar soaks can be used for persistent discomfort: Mix 1 tsp of vinegar to 16 oz of distilled water (size of a normal bottle of water). Remove the Vaseline or Aquaphor prior to the vinegar soaks with a cool, clean moist cloth and post soak reapply a light layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor and repeat as needed. 

• Day 2 – 7 post treatment begin cleaning the treated areas with a gentle facial cleanser using nothing more abrasive than the fingertips. Do not scrub the treated areas. Continue to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor and SPF. Continue to sleep in a modified upright position for the second or consecutive nights as needed.  

*Vinegar soaks can be used for persistent discomfort: Mix 1 tsp of vinegar to 16 oz of distilled water (size of a normal bottle of water). Remove the Vaseline or Aquaphor prior to the vinegar soaks with a cool, clean moist cloth and post soak reapply a light layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor and repeat as needed. 

• If you have been advised to use a pigment suppressor please make sure you continue applying consistently throughout and after the conclusion of your treatment course for at least 4 weeks after your last appointment. 
• Ensure if you are going to be outside and exposed to the sun a hat is worn along with a mineral SPF is applied in the morning and throughout the day for full protection. 
• After 7 days you may replace the Vaseline or Aquaphor with Fast Repair provided the tenderness and sensitivity of the skin has returned to normal. 

Recommended Do NOT’s: 

For 1 -2 Days:
NO sunscreen on day 1, apply only on day 2 as instructed by Skin Medical. We will advise which SPF to use as a minimum a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily, with repeat application throughout the day to prevent sun damage
NO alcohol, spicy or hot food until day 2
NO exercise, defer activity until redness or swelling subside on at least day 3
NO sun or any environmental exposures like wind, extreme cold or ocean water
NO product use, other than those recommended by or given to you by Skin Medical
NO cosmetics unless you have a new brush and products. Previously used cosmetics may harbour bacteria that can cause infection. You may apply cosmetics after 48 hours for a Clear Plus treatment if comfortable or day 72 hours if a Clear Plus advanced treatment has occurred* * Please check with your practitioner
NO ice (especially frozen peas or vegetable packets) directly on the skin, especially if you are still numb from pre-treatment topical analgesic mixture (if applicable) immediately post-treatment. There is no way to assure what you procured from the grocery store freezer is clean
NO ice/ice baths for 72 hours, cold water is fine. Ice before 72 hours can increase edema. This includes ‘small’ ice packs, skin should be cooled evenly with a full mask or a moist cooled, clean handtowel covering the full treatment area. Small ice packs in isolated area may promote uneven healing and leave hot spots
NO cleanser or products with acids, PEG’s, high alcohol content, botanicals, or multiple ingredient menu. The more ingredients on the label the harder it will be to extrapolate what caused a reaction post treatment
NO direct contact with pets, unclean surfaces or touching treatment areas during healing/sloughing process. Clean towels, pillowcases and surface area touching treatment zones are a must. 

For 3 -5 Days; 

NO RX or acid-based products until your practitioner has cleared you to use them. This could be anywhere from day 5 to 14 depending on the depth and degree of your treatment
NO picking, rubbing, scrubbing or exfoliating while skin is sloughing
NO RX medications (like retinols) or adjunct laser treatments until you are cleared by your treating provider. This could be up to 10-12 weeks
NO direct contact with pets, unclean surfaces or touching treatment areas during healing/sloughing process. Clean towels, pillowcases and surface area touching treatment zones are a must 

✅ Healthy skin responds best to treatment, so please follow all skincare advice given to you before your appointment. 
✅ Avoid Heat: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and other sources of heat for 7 days after treatment to prevent irritation.
✅ Avoid sun exposure, self-tanners, or heat treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment. If you have been exposed to the sun, please inform us, as this may affect your treatment plan.
✅ Avoid Skin Actives: For 7 days post-treatment, avoid products containing retinol, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or any harsh astringents that could irritate the skin.     
✅ Avoid Skin Exfoliation: Skin exfoliation can typically begin at 14 days post-treatment.
✅ No waxing, threading, electrolysis or depilatory creams should be used on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.
✅Wear comfortable clothing:
                     • If treating a body area, expect swelling or redness post-treatment.
                     • For face, neck, or décolleté treatments, wear a shirt.
✅ Notify Us of Any Concerns: If you experience any unusual symptoms such as blistering, excessive redness, or swelling, please notify the clinic immediately.
✅Treatment Course: We typically recommend a course of 3-6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results. Many patients notice improvements after their first treatment, but full results are usually visible around 3 months after the last session. For maintenance, we recommend follow-up treatments every 6 to 12 months. 

• Swelling of the treated area
• Bruising
• Discomfort in the treated area
• Redness of the skin
• Itching and burning sensations, as well as a feeling of pressure
• Subcutaneous firmness (temporary)

These side effects are normal and should subside within a few days. However, please let us know if you experience any symptoms that feel unusual or prolonged.

✅ Swelling and Bruising: It’s common to experience swelling, redness, tenderness, or mild discomfort in the treated area. Bruising may also occur, but these side effects are temporary and should subside within 5-7 days.
✅Cold and Heat Exposure: Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures for at least 7 days post-treatment. This includes saunas, hot tubs, direct sun exposure, and very cold environments.
✅ Physical Activity: Refrain from intense physical exercise for 7 days after your procedure. Light walking is fine but avoid any strenuous activities that could exacerbate swelling or bruising.
✅ Massage or Pressure: Massage the treated area for 5 minutes twice a day until the firmness resolves. Avoid applying any additional pressure to the area unless advised by your practitioner.
✅ Makeup & Skincare: It’s best to avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 12 hours after your treatment to allow the skin to heal. After 12 hours, ensure that all products you apply are clean and non-irritating.
✅ Avoid Anti-inflammatory Medications: Stay away from anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs) for at least 7 days post-treatment, unless prescribed by your doctor. Alcohol should also be avoided for the same period as it may increase bruising.