Possible risks or side effects may include pain, burning, bruises, blister formation, stinging sensations, infection, pigmentary changes including decrease or increase in skin color at the site of treatment, scar formation, laser induced “cold-sore-like” blistering, skin eruptions known as “herpetic” skin eruptions at the site of treatment, and poor cosmetic outcome. Although these effects are rare and expected to be temporary, redness and swelling may last up to 3 weeks (especially when higher treatment settings are used), and are part of a normal reaction to the treatment. Burns and resulting pigmentation change and scarring are rare and may happen in skin that is not taken care of according to instructions. Tiny scabs appear on the face for a few days as part of a normal healing, however make-up may be applied as soon as 1-3 days after the session to mask them and residual redness. Any adverse reaction should be reported immediately. Patients may be given an oral antiviral medication (Acyclovir) prior to treatment, or to take after if you are prone to herpes outbreaks.
Although very, very rare, some patients can experience a reaction to the topical anesthetic applied prior to treatment. Patients may experience redness, itching, and/or blistering, which is short-lived and treated with mild topical cortisones. It does not leave any scarring or have permanent effects.
For any of the treatments, there may also be possible hair removal at the site of treatment even if this was not the intended purpose of treatment.
Our specific plan for post care is below:
POST VIVA INSTRUCTIONS
What to expect immediately when you leave:
After the treatment, the skin becomes red, comparable to a sunburn. Some crusts may also appear in deeper penetrated areas. The erythema (redness) will subside usually within a day. Some slight swelling can also occur. The redness will last longer if your treatment was done on higher settings. Your skin may feel dry and slightly tight.
What to expect post-procedure:
Your face will be red over the entire treated area and some swelling can occur. It is rare but you may also have some light bruising. These will usually resolve within a day or two.
Your skin will feel dry for a few days. You need to make certain you treat your skin gently, and that you only apply the lotion we give you in the office, as often as you’d like, for the first two days. It is fine to apply makeup, even immediately after the treatment, but it can look different than normal due to the dryness of your skin. This will resolve. You should also make certain you are using sunscreen in the mornings each day.
You may return to your normal skin care regimen (minus Retin A and scrubs) after 2 days. If you use glycolic or retinol products, wait a week before resuming use of them.
Contacting the office:
You should contact the office immediately if you have any concerns or issues occur that we haven’t discussed with you. You may also reach Dr. Rueckl on his cell phone with any emergency.
