Esterson Dermatology
CORE LASER
Pre-Op Instructions:
1. Arrive without make up to your appointment
2. Arrive 1 hour before your appointment time
3. Make sure you allow 7-10 days for downtime after the laser (scaling, discoloration,
etc.)
4. You must take 1 gram Valtrex twice a day for 3 days before the procedure and
continue for 4 days after the procedure, make sure the office has your pharmacy
information. This is to reduce possible outbreaks of cold sores.
5. Discontinue topical retinoid therapy 2-3 days in advance to treatment
6. Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least one month prior to treatments.
(Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 if you do need to spend time outdoors)
7. Dr. Esterson may recommend bleaching creams 2 weeks before the treatment to
avoid possible pigmentary changes In your skin.
Post-Op Instructions:
1. Immediately after treatment, most patients will experience a clinical endpoint
of erythema (redness) for 5-7 days, however for more aggressive treatments
this may last longer. Slight to moderate edema (swelling) sunburn sensation
and appearance are also common post treatment and may last 5-7 days.
After the second day, skin will appear as an exaggerated tan. Skin will begin
to flake and peel at 5-10 days.
2. Keep the treated area moisturized with Aquaphor.
3. Use 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 2 cups of cold water to decrease swelling.
Gently press sopping wet cloth onto face for 30 – 60 seconds for 10 minutes;
Do soaks every 1 – 2 hours.
4. To reduce swelling, sleep with head elevated with 2 or more pillows
5. DO NOT use any Retinoid therapies or creams (besides a bland moisturizer)
to your face until after your 2 week follow up appointment
6. Do NOT use makeup until after your 2 week follow-up appointment.
7. Avoid ALL sun exposure; also try to avoid the outside elements (i.e.- no
hiking; no gym activity; no barns/ barn animals; no swimming in pools, lakes
The Woodholme Medical Building
1838 Greene Tree Road, Suite 340
Pikesville, MD 21208
Office 410.602.DERM (3376); Fax 410.602.7954
www.faithesterson.com
Esterson Dermatology
or beaches; no hot tubs; no gardening) Generally no activity that will or can
increase the risk of infection.
Call the office for pain, crusting, blisters, pustules or any
other signs of infection.
After- Care Appointments:
To ensure your treatment went accordingly and the after care is being followed
we will need you to come into the office the following time increments:
 2 days after the laser treatment
 1 week after your laser treatment
 2 weeks after your laser treatment
 3 months after your laser treatment
By day ten to twelve your skin will be completely resurfaced. At this point you may still
use the Aquaphor ointment as needed for moisture. At this point we will coordinate a
make up session to review skin care and demonstrate how to camouflage the pink color
of your skin.
What to expect
Swelling
Swelling will vary patient-to-patient. Swelling may actually increase the first three to
four days before subsiding. Most of your swelling should resolve over the first two to
three weeks. Do expect, however, to have minor fluctuations in the remaining swelling
over the course of the next two to three months. Things to do to minimize this swelling
include keeping your head elevated as much as possible over the first two to three
weeks, avoiding bend over or heavy lifting for the first three weeks, and avoid
prolonged sun exposure for the first three months.
Discoloration
Bruising and swelling will vary from person to person. Most bruising and discoloration
should resolve over the first two weeks. Make up, with Dr. Esterson’s permission, can
be applied ten days to two weeks after surgery.
Numbness
Your face will be numb following the procedure because of anesthetic cream that we
apply prior to your procedure. Expect this to wear off during the first four to six hours.
The Woodholme Medical Building
1838 Greene Tree Road, Suite 340
Pikesville, MD 21208
Office 410.602.DERM (3376); Fax 410.602.7954
www.faithesterson.com
Esterson Dermatology
Depression
It is not uncommon for patients to go through a period of mild depression after
cosmetic surgery. This typically occurs the second week after surgery while some of the
swelling and bruising still persist and yet the patient is anxious to see a final result.
Realize this is a temporary condition and things will improve. Focus on diligently
following the wound care as well as other activities to help divert your mind.
Restrictions
1. No strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
2. No heavy lifting for three weeks.
Finally
The healing time for laser surgery is often less than expected and the results are worth
the wait. While most discoloration will fade over the first three months, your healing
will continue for the entire first year. I will follow you through this entire process, but
be patient.
Please do not hesitate to ever contact our office.
Faith Esterson, M.D.
The Woodholme Medical Building
1838 Greene Tree Road, Suite 340
Pikesville, MD 21208
Office 410.602.DERM (3376); Fax 410.602.7954
www.faithesterson.com