Reviews
DEKA LASER: Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
Yes, a bit…we do apply a topical numbing cream prior to the procedure and also have nitrous if needed. We can also provide a if you are anxious or concerned with pain, however you will need a driver. The laser feels like a hot rubber band snap and your skin will feel hot for up to 48-72 hours following the procedure. You will be provided with ice packs and it is recommended to ice at home the first night. A topical salve is also applied afterwards that will help bring down the warmth, swelling or discomfort you are feeling.
What can I do for pain afterwards at home?
You can take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (up to 800mg 8 hours) and/or an anti-histamine (i.e. Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl) for swelling. Cool compresses (cold wash cloth) or ice packs are recommended (10 minutes every hour), and/or aloe gel (keep refrigerated for extra soothing). Oral analgesics can be prescribed if needed.
What should I use at home?
You will need a gentle soap-free cleanser, hypoallergenic cream and ointment (i.e. Vaniply, Aquaphor, Vanicream, Cerave, Cetaphil), which will be applied continuously for the next week. A chemical free sunscreen (i.e. Skinceuticals, Solbar SPF 35, Elta Physical, Elta UV Elements) is also recommended. Please limit your sun exposure for the first two weeks after the treatment.
Can I do activities afterwards (exercise, gym, beach, pool)?
Weights, low impact exercise or walking are fine. Avoid overheating and sweating as this tends to sting and create irritation of the treated area. Avoid chlorinated pools or jacuzzis for the first week. Avoid excess sun exposure for the first week.
When will I see results?
You will typically see results within 7 days, depending on area treated and the intensity. Final results typically take from 6 weeks up to 6 months.
What are the results I will see? What does it do?
The DEKA laser improves wrinkles, texture of the skin, skin laxity, acne and traumatic scars and dyschromia (discoloration) and dark spots.
Are the results long-lasting?
Yes, all the changes in your skin obtained with DEKA are permanent however, the effects will gradually diminish with the natural aging process. Remember that smoke, alcohol, excessive exposure to sun, and poor
eating habits all accelerate the aging process.
How many treatments do I need? Can I repeat the treatments?
You will see results with one treatment. Depending on sun damage, age, and severity, some people may need several treatments. You can repeat treatments one month apart and can do as many treatments as desired. Generally, patients do between one to three treatments, repeating once a year thereafter.
How long does the treatment take?
A topical numbing cream is applied first for approximately 15-55 minutes. The actual laser procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Plan on spending approximately one hour at your scheduled appointment.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the depth of your settings as well as the location you are treating. The average is between 1-3 weeks depending on intensity and locations. Typically full face is between four to seven days, eyelift between four to five days, and neck/chest between seven to fourteen days.
When can I wear makeup? Exercise? Sun exposure?
Mineral makeup may be worn on day 2, and regular makeup can be worn on day 4. You can resume your normal activity and exercise on day 5. Sun exposure with SPF 30 or higher after day 5 is okay but please limit time spent outdoors while you are healing.
Why do you prescribe cold sore medication?
Frequently laser treatment can induce a herpes outbreak. If a person has a history of cold sores or herpes (oral or genital) at any time in their life, it is recommended they begin antiviral medicine starting the day of the procedure to reduce the chances of an outbreak.
What to be concerned with/When to call the office?
If you are experiencing an increase in pain, yellow or crusting of the treated skin, increased swelling and tenderness or new blistering lesions, please call our office at (760) 701-5463.
What to expect at...
Day 1: Redness,swelling, and warmth. Skin may be itchy or painful, and there may be a dry and tight sensation of the skin. It is recommended that you continuously apply ointments such as Aquaphor or Vaniply to the treated area (every few hours). Cold compresses are also helpful for swelling and pain. Avoid washing your face for the first 24 hours after your procedure. An anti-inflammatory or topical steroid such as OTC hydrocortisone 1% may be used for itching and swelling. Avoid sun exposure.
Day 2: Itching, dryness, mild swelling and redness. Continue ointments (Aquaphor, Vaniply) throughout the day. Cool compresses may be continued if desired. You may gently wash the treated area with Aquanil cleanser and cool water. Do NOT exfoliate skin. It is okay to continue an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine or OTC hydrocortisone for itching or swelling if needed. Limit sun exposure. Mineral makeup may be worn.
Day 3-4: Itching, dry, redness, pinpoint black or brown dots which will begin to flake off (dead skin). Begin applying creams, i.e. Vanicream, to the treated area (versus the ointments). Wash face with cool water and soap free cleanser such as Aquanil, Cetaphil, or Cerave. Apply SPF 30+ daily (chemical free only). Your regular make-up may be worn at this point.
Day 5-7: Mild erythema, itching, and pinpoint black or brown flaking skin. Continue creams and/or lotions throughout the day. You may return to your normal make-up routine and gentle exfoliation with your hands or a soft wash cloth is allowed as tolerated.
Day 8-14: Mild erythema and flaking. At this point, you can return to your normal skin care regimen and products. It is always recommended to continue a SPF 30 daily, and to reapply every 2-3 hours. Occasionally patients may develop a breakout with acne following the laser treatment. If this occurs, we can prescribe a sulfur based wash or medicine. Please call the office if you develop an acne breakout.
Madonna eye lift and chest tend to swell more than other locations. Please feel free to contact our office at 760-701-5463 with any questions or concerns.