Excel V Laser Aftercare
At DRS Skincare Hamilton, ON

Treatment Excel V Plus
Indications

Redness, rosacea, spider veins, red scars, poikiloderma (discolouration)

Treatment Recovery Approx. 1 week
# Of Treatments Required 3-6 sessions
Best Results Seen 1 month post final treatment

*estimate of sessions to be determined in consultation

Get ready for results (without the risk)! FAQs about excel® V+ laser aftercare

So many times, you will read about what happens during a treatment. But what you do for your skin (and body) before and after makes a difference. Here, your friends at DRS Skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, are pleased to provide you with insights into aftercare to support a positive experience and great results with the excel® V+ laser by Cutera.

What side effects can I expect from treatment?

The most common side effects are typically redness and swelling at the treatment site. These generally go away in a few days, and you can usually wear makeup with no problems to camouflage any lingering discolouration or irritation. 

Is it true that sometimes problems must get worse before they improve?

This can be true of some treatments, depending on what is being treated. For instance, some of our patients may notice that their blood vessels look slightly darker or bruise-like – a normal response to treatment. It is not permanent, and improvements in the appearance of visible vessels should be apparent in a few weeks. It’s also normal for any treated brown spots to get darker and slough off! Usually, this discolouration goes on for around three to six days. Dark spots on the body can take longer to subside, usually around two to four weeks.   

What can I do about some of these side effects?

In addition to camouflaging with makeup, you can relieve swelling by immediately icing the area or applying a cold compress. We may also prescribe a steroid or recommend antihistamines. Be sure not to pick at any scabs or flaking areas. If you have scabs, keep them moist with ointments like Aquaphor® until healing is complete.

Woman with clear skin
Young woman with perfect skin

Do I have to take time off work to heal?

No. This is one of the “selling points” of the excel® V+ laser and many other light-assisted therapies. You can get back to most activities right away. There are exceptions.

What are those exceptions?

We do not want you to expose the treated skin to excessive heat. So, this precaution means that hot baths/showers and saunas should be avoided for a few days post-treatment. 

When can I start using some of my medications again?

That’s right – there may have been some medications and products that you discontinued using in the days and weeks leading up to treatment. Generally, you can begin using tretinoin, retinol, and other medicines that may have been avoided due to the risk of side effects once your skin has healed. The same concept applies to any glycolics, peels, and exfoliants that were temporarily discontinued before your treatment. 

Will my skin be more photosensitive?

Yes. You should refrain from direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment. As always, wear your broad-spectrum sunscreen! 

Of course, these are generalizations. Patient’s experiences and needs differ. To learn more about what to expect at every step, schedule a consultation at DRS Skincare. Our team in Hamilton, ON, can be reached at (905) 524-1712 today.