Fotona 3D / 4D Facelift Pre & Post Care
The Fotona Facelift is a non-invasive face-lifting procedure that successfully combats facial aging. It targets wrinkles and nasolabial folds, as well as surface-level imperfections such as freckles and sun spots, which simultaneously restoring a youthful glow to provide natural-looking results with little to no downtime.
Pre & Post treatment care may vary, depending on the customization of which 3 or 4 Fotona treatments you and your practitioner choose to combine. Traditionally, it includes Intraoral tightening, lower face tightening, full face rejuvenation and a very light micro-laser peel. The option to swap any of the stated traditional treatments to a SmoothEye, Liplase, Neck lift or Vector lift is available. Please discuss with your practitioner.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Skin Tightening (including intraoral) by Fotona is a non-invasive laser treatment used to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. This procedure utilizes Fotona's advanced laser technology to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure and use sunscreen leading up to your appointment to prevent skin damage and ensure optimal results.
Skin Preparation: Avoid AHA’s, BHA’s, and Retinol products that could sensitize the skin for 5 days prior to the treatments.
While the traditional 4D Facelift micro-laser peel is quite mild, the option for a deeper micro-laser peel may be discussed as a preferred customization option. Laser Peels improve tone and texture of the skin, but it does involve some “down- time.” In order to increase the effects of the treatment without adding to discomfort and irritation, we advise the following:
If you have ever had a cold sore, be sure to tell the clinician so you can get a prescription for an anti-viral. You must start taking the anti-viral two days before the procedure.
Do not over-expose your skin to the sun two weeks before the procedure. Tanning is not advised at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
Do not consume alcohol the day of the procedure. It will increase inflammation and possibly increase discomfort.
Be prepared for swollen eyes, texture, peeling and itching for several days after the procedure. Day by day improvement occurs, but the first 4-5 days can be a bit disconcerting. Be sure you read the post-procedure care and comply with all the instructions before you commit to the treatment.
You will be advised on the products to use on your skin after the Microlaser peel treatment. Do not use any active or harsh products for at least 10 to 14 after this treatment. The surface skin is brand new and needs to totally normalize before using most products you may be currently using. Sunblock should be used after the first 10 days to protect the new skin. Sun exposure should be avoided until sunblock can be used.
Any other directions specifically related to your individual skin conditions will be given to you at the time of treatment.
Post-Care Instructions:
The Fotona 4D treatment typically requires little to no downtime (depending on customization) and makeup can be applied 24 hours after treatment. You may experience some mild peeling. Exercise and regular activity can resume immediately after treatment.
If a deeper micro- laser peel occurs in your customized 4D package, the patient response can vary. Please read the instructions for micro-laser peels below.
Erythema (redness) and possibly edema (swelling) are the desired responses within a few minutes after the completion of the procedure. The degree of redness and length of healing time will increase with the depth of your peel. Redness normally persists for 24 hours – 5 days depending upon the depth of the
peel.
Swelling is typically a short-term response. Use of a cold compress or ice packs will help to relieve the swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first night after the treatment.
If an antiviral was prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.
Vinegar soaks can also be done daily through the healing process. 1 cup water, mix in 2 tablespoons Vinegar, apply with clean face cloth. Always make sure hands have been washed before touching your skin.
Post treatment discomfort may be relieved by oral pain relievers; i.e. Extra Strength Tylenol.
A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.
Cleanse the skin two times a day with a gentle cleanser; beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub the treated area.
After cleansing your face, reapply the occlusive barrier, (i.e. Aquaphor) taking care to cover all treated areas. The occlusive barrier is needed to provide a protective barrier that will hold moisture into the skin and provide protection to the skin from pollutants in the air as the skin heals. As a rule of thumb, the occlusive barrier is needed 1 day per 10 microns of skin treated or once skin has re-epithelialized. For example: a 20 micron MLP = 2 days of wearing the occlusive barrier. Reapply the occlusive barrier as needed. Do not allow the treated area to dry out.
Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN DURING THE HEALING PROCESS. THIS COULD RESULT IN SCARRING AND INFECTION! Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.
Avoid direct sunlight for up to 2 months post treatment.
Once skin has healed (no longer wearing the occlusive barrier) you may begin to use a bland moisturizer and wear makeup. If you are able to wear makeup, a sunblock should be worn on a daily basis to help prevent any hyperpigmentation issues that could be caused by direct and indirect sunlight.
When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.