Clear & Brilliant Post-Care
Before Your Treatment (Pre‑Care)
- Avoid excessive sun/sunburn for 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Stop topical retinoids for 24 hours prior (longer if sensitive or if your provider advises).
- We will not treat over open lesions—tell us so we can reschedule if needed.
- If medically possible, avoid blood thinners (including fish oil, NSAIDs, and oral steroids) for 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically possible. Tylenol is acceptable. Bruising is a potential side effect of Morpheus8 treatment. If bruising occurs, you may schedule a follow-up appointment within a few days for us to dissolve it with a laser.
- Allow at least 24 hours after immunotherapies/immunosuppressants before treatment.
- Wait 6 months after finishing oral isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane®) before microneedling.
- Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin; men please clean shave if requested.
- If you get cold sores (HSV) around the mouth or nose, take antiviral prophylaxis if directed.
- Numbing plan: My appointment is scheduled to include ~45 minutes of numbing time in a relaxing environment. Alternatively, I may pick up numbing cream in advance and self‑apply for 45 minutes before arrival (following SOKO’s numbing guide).
Post Treatment (Post‑Care)
Day 0 (0–24 hours)
- Expect warmth/redness/tightness; cool compresses as needed.
- Don’t use makeup, or sunscreen while micro‑channels may be open (up to ~24h).
- Begin your 72‑hour “no sweat/heat/sun exposure” window (no strenuous exercise, sauna, hot tubs, or intentional sun).
- If you’re having discomfort and want to take something for it today, Tylenol is fine. Avoid blood thinners like NSAIDS.
- Avoid actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs, alcohol toners, cleansing brushes) until skin is smooth/calm.
- You will not apply anything to the skin today at home. PDGF or exosomes applied in office are the only topicals safe for today. These are used to expedite healing and amplify results.
Day 1–3 (when a full 24 hours has lapsed, i.e. if your service was completed at 2pm on Monday, begin these steps at 2pm on Tuesday).
- Use a gentle cleanser
- Begin Skinfuse® RESCUE serum every 2-4 hours until the product is finished.
- Apply a bland moisturizer
- Start mineral/broad‑spectrum SPF 30+; reapply if outdoors; use hats/shade. Mineral tinted SPF is approved.
- You may wear light makeup once skin is calm and dry (with clean applicators).
- Pre-cleansing oil or a gentle cleanser at night is recommended, along with a bland night cream.
- Continue to avoid sweaty exercise/sauna/hot tubs until 72 hours have passed; minimize sun.
Day 4–7
- Continue gentle routine + SPF.
- Avoid actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs, alcohol toners, cleansing brushes) until skin is smooth/calm (often Day 3–5+; follow your provider).
- Resume makeup fully once redness resolves.
Weeks 2–3 & Scheduling
- Gradually re‑introduce actives when fully calm.
- Avoid peels, microderm, and other laser/light procedures for ~1 month after SkinPen unless advised otherwise.
- Plan the next session in ≥4 weeks if recommended by your provider.
- A series of 3-4 treatments is recommended, with 1 maintenance treatment every 6-12 months.
- Injectables scheduling (clinic policy): Typically ≥24h for neuromodulators and ≥1–2 weeks for fillers in the same area.
Topical Add‑Ons (if purchased)
- Ariessence™ Pure PDGF+ will be applied directly after or during the procedure. Plated™ (exosome‑derived), and other advanced biologics: Begin on Day 1 (≥24 hours) after SkinPen when skin is clean and calm. Use as directed; avoid actives while using.
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, or cold‑sore reactivation if you’re prone. For emergencies, dial 911.
Common Questions & Answers
1) Can I swim (pool/ocean) after treatment? Avoid for 48–72 hours; chlorine/salt and bacteria can irritate freshly treated skin.
2) Is alcohol or very spicy food okay right after? Best to skip for 24 hours—both can increase flushing and discomfort.
3) Can I use at-home LED red light therapy? Generally okay after 24–48 hours if the skin feels calm and cool; avoid heat-producing devices.
4) Should I use a humidifier? Yes—overnight humidifier helps reduce tightness and flaking during the first week.
5) I have to wear a mask/helmet for work—any tips? Use soft, breathable fabrics and minimize rubbing for 48 hours; change to a clean mask frequently.
6) What kind of makeup is best the first few days? Prefer light mineral powder or tinted mineral SPF; avoid heavy, long-wear formulas and vigorous removal.
7) Are micellar waters or makeup wipes okay? Micellar water is fine if gently patted/rolled off with cotton; avoid wipes (too abrasive) for a week.
8) Can I do facial massage, gua sha, or microcurrent? Wait 3–5 days and keep pressure very light; skip if skin still feels rough or warm.
9) Can I color my hair or use strong hair products near my face/neck? Delay 5–7 days for hair color, perms, or strong hold sprays that contact treated skin.
10) I’m on a photosensitizing medication (e.g., doxycycline). Anything different post-care? Continue as prescribed but be extra strict with sun avoidance; use mineral SPF and physical shade. If you notice unusual redness, contact us.
11) Are aloe vera or cooling gel masks okay? Yes—plain, fragrance-free aloe or hydro-gel masks are fine after 24–48 hours.
12) Should I change my pillowcase or towels? Yes—use a fresh, soft pillowcase and clean towels nightly for the first 2–3 nights.
13) Is coffee okay after treatment? Moderation is fine, but avoid very hot beverages the first day to limit flushing.
14) Can I use “gentle” retinol alternatives like bakuchiol sooner? Treat them like actives—wait 7–10 days or until skin is smooth and calm.
15) Can I combine PDGF+ with LED therapy? Usually yes after 24–48 hours if skin is cool/calm; apply PDGF+ first on clean skin, then LED, then moisturizer/SPF as directed.
Helpful Tips
- Be Patient: Results are gradual and rely on your body’s natural healing. It may take several weeks to months to see noticeable changes.
- Follow Treatment Plan: Multiple sessions are often needed for optimal results. Adhere to the recommended schedule.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after-hydrated skin heals faster.
- Listen to Your Body: If an activity causes pain in the treated area, reduce or avoid it.
- Plan social events accordingly: Fully healed results will sometimes take up to two weeks. in most cases, no one can tell you did anything after day 5!
- Contact SOKO immediately if you experience:
- Signs of infection (increasing pain, significant swelling, warmth, redness, pus, fever).
- Excessive or prolonged pain not managed by Tylenol.
- Any concerning or unexpected reactions.
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