Excel V+ Pre- and Post-Care

Before Your Treatment (Pre‑Care) 

☐ Avoid sunbathing/tanning beds for 4 weeks prior and self‑tanner for 2 weeks on treatment areas; do not arrive sunburned.
☐ Hold off on active topicals (retinoids/retinol, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs/brushes) for 3–5 days prior (longer if sensitive).
☐ Avoid irritating procedures (waxing, threading, depilatories, strong peels, microderm) for 1–2 weeks prior.
☐ Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin; men will clean shave if requested.
☐ If I have a history of cold sores (HSV) on or near treatment areas, I will notify SOKO and take antiviral prophylaxis if directed.
☐ Photosensitizing medications: Stop prescriptions on my own; Inform SOKO so timing/settings can be adjusted.
☐ Vascular patients (face/neck): Avoid alcohol, very spicy foods, and very hot beverages for 72 hours before treatment to limit flushing.
☐ Leg vein patients (if applicable): My provider may recommend compression and specific activity guidance; I will bring/wear medium medical grade compression.

Post Treatment (Post‑Care) — General

Day 0 (0–24 hours)

• Expect redness/warmth; mild swelling is possible. Apply cool compresses in short intervals as needed.
  • Avoid heat/sweat: no strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas/steam for 72 hours.
  • Keep skin clean and product‑light: gentle cleanser + bland moisturizer (no actives).
  • Makeup is usually acceptable the same day once the skin is calm/dry and intact.
  • Strict sun protection (hat/shade); do not rub or pick the skin.

Day 1–7 (General)

• Mineral/broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply if outdoors.
  • Continue gentle cleanser and bland moisturizer; avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs/brushes until cleared (often 7-10 days for face; 21 days for body- see pigmentation section below).
  • If any crusting/blistering occurs, do not pick; keep moist with a thin layer of petrolatum and contact SOKO for care instructions.

Indication‑Specific Guidance 

1) Vascular (telangiectasias, diffuse redness/rosacea, angiomas, poikiloderma)

What to expect: transient redness/swelling; sometimes purpura (purple bruising) or temporary graying/mottling of vessels for 3–14 days.

Extra care:
• Avoid alcohol, spicy food, and very hot beverages for 72 hours.
• .Swelling under the eyes and through the cheeks can happen. You also can have areas that look like “bubble wrap”, which is a form of swelling. It typically is more noticeable in the morning, and gets better during the day. Sleeping elevated and icing the area frequently also helps. If you know you are prone to swelling, you can pre treat before your next appointment with 40mg Pepcid AC and an antihistamine.
• Face/neck: keep cool; no vigorous rubbing or hot showers on treated areas for 72 hours.
• Leg veins (if treated): your provider may recommend avoiding heavy lower‑body or strenuous exercise (walking is ok), high heel shoes or wedges,no hot baths for 1 week.  Medium medical grade compression hose worn during waking hours for 1 week. 

2) Pigment (benign sun spots/lentigines, selected PIH)

What to expect: spots typically darken to a coffee‑ground appearance and flake off in 7–14 days on the face and 2–3 weeks on the body.

Extra care:
• Strict UV avoidance; hats/shade and diligent SPF are essential for at least 2–3 weeks to reduce risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Do not pick or scrub; let flakes shed naturally.
• Delay strong actives (retinoids, acids) until cleared by SOKO (commonly 5–7 days face, 10–14 days body).

3) Acne / Post‑Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)

What to expect: gradual reduction in redness/inflammation over a series; occasional transient dryness or flares may occur.

Extra care:
• Hold retinoids and benzoyl peroxide 3–5 days pre‑ and post‑treatment unless directed otherwise.
• Favor non‑comedogenic hydration; avoid heavy occlusives that can clog pores.
• Resume your prescribed acne regimen only when cleared by SOKO.

When to Contact SOKO

Call/text 913‑232‑2224 if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness/warmth, drainage/pus, fever, or swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours, new or worsening blistering, or other concerns. For emergencies, dial 911.