By Missy Tauler, Master Aesthetician
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Javan Wellness! It’s time to work on your skin goals with all the equipment in our toolbox–lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, peels, and more!
Mid-October through mid-April is the ideal time for a series of corrective treatments in our region (though there are many treatments we can safely perform in spring and summer months).
Heat and UV exposure can compromise skin, so we are able to provide more effective treatments when temperatures are lower and sun is milder.
If you have never had a corrective skin treatment, you may be apprehensive about booking that laser or microneedling session your esthetician has recommended. I get it–the internet loves to show us the most extreme images of people after deep peels and ablative lasers, which are frankly frightening.
I promise, the healing process from the treatments we offer at Javan Wellness will not involve your face being wrapped like a mummy! We offer only non-ablative treatments at Javan. Basically, this means we are not cutting into the skin or burning off layers of tissue. We can help you achieve amazing improvements in your skin with more conservative treatments requiring considerably less downtime. Some of our treatments may involve immediate pinpoint bleeding, but that is as extreme as it gets.
Here are some other things you may want to know about the process of preparing for and healing from corrective treatments at our practice.
- Your plan is always individualized.
It is always best to have a consultation before booking a corrective treatment with us. We will be able to tell you which treatment (or combination of treatments) will most readily address your skin concerns. Our recommendations always take into consideration factors like your lifestyle, tolerance for downtime, health status, and more. We have treatments that are safe for all skin tones.
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Skin prep is a must
Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without preparing your body with a training regimen, it’s crucial to prepare the skin for corrective treatments. If you are not already on a medical grade skincare routine, we will have you prepare your skin for 4-6 weeks with appropriate products. If you have oily skin and need lots of extractions, we may have you come in about a week prior to your treatment for a facial. If you are prone to cold sores, we might suggest that you contact your physician for a prophylactic, as stimulation of the skin may cause a flare up.
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Sun exposure must be limited before and after some treatments
We will also advise you to avoid direct sun exposure for about a month before and after laser treatments. If you are planning a beach vacation, cruise, or ski trip within a month before or after your treatment, please let your provider know so that we can time the appointment appropriately.
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Certain conditions contraindicate treatment
Cold sores, sunburn or tan, windburn, eczema, or any broken skin in the treatment area will necessitate postponing corrective treatments. If you are on oral or topical antibiotics, we also need to push the treatment back until you are done using the medication. If you have taken accutane (isotretinoin) in the last 6 months, you will need to wait until more time has passed before you can have a service–although we would be happy to help you with your home care regimen!
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Pain management is offered
Many corrective treatments will involve numbing the skin for pain management. Alternatively, we have nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) available for some procedures.
It is not realistic to expect a pain-free treatment, but we will try to make you as comfortable as possible while maximizing your results.
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Your behavior and routines may have to change a bit after the treatment
After any corrective treatment, you will be placed on a strict and simple skincare regimen for a week or two while your skin heals. This will usually consist of using a mild cleanser with tepid water, extra hydration, and sunscreen.
The major no-no’s during your healing period are sun and heat exposure. This means not only wearing SPF 30+ daily, but also avoiding outdoor activities, and wearing a hat and sunglasses for everyday excursions like walking the dog.
If you participate in hot yoga, do sauna or steam room sessions, you will need to refrain from these activities for some time (and maybe reconsider how often you’re exposing yourself to hot environments if you are working on hyperpigmentation). While you’re healing, you’ll also need to minimize the ambient heat in your home, car, and workplace, and be cautious while cooking.
We want you to maintain good health habits while you are healing. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and abstaining from alcohol are all important. That said, you will need to take a break from vigorous exercise for a couple of days after your treatment.
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A series of treatments is often needed, and may need to be repeated to maintain results.
Typically, our clients see the best results with a series of 3 treatments within a short time frame (4-8 weeks between treatments). After that, we can determine if more treatments are needed or if we will focus on maintaining results. Maintenance looks different for each client. Pigment disorders, for example, melasma, will have to be managed continuously to maintain suppression.
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We are available to help you through the healing process
During your consultation and the day of your treatment, we will thoroughly review what you can expect during the healing process. Some common conditions you may experience while healing include peeling skin, redness, rough skin texture, and the potential for swelling. As providers, we want to make sure you are supported through your healing journey. You will have a way to contact your provider post-treatment to share your progress and any questions that may come up.
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Results will develop over time, even after the skin has “healed”
The way your skin looks two weeks after the treatment is not the final result. What is going on at a cellular level with the skin can take a while to manifest on the surface. You will continue to see changes in your skin over a few months as collagen and elastin reorganize and regenerate.
I hope this information is helpful for you if you are considering trying a corrective treatment for the first time (or for the first time with us). Your questions are always welcome! Schedule a free consultation today and we will get you on track to healthier and more youthful skin.